If I could persuade every Liverpool and Everton supporter to take up the chant on a Saturday afternoon, I would. But the voices making this chant, that echoed through Westminster recently, were not football fans. They were our own customers, and they were making themselves heard.
Writing this so far ahead of it landing on doormats has its challenges. By the time you read it, we may have a different Prime Minister and Energy Minister….or we may not.
A thank you worth repeating
What I do know is that I need to say thank you. Every single person who responded to the consultation on alternative heating technologies played their part. Together, we delivered more than 16,000 positive responses to the industry’s proposals to introduce a renewable liquid heating fuel blend.
Words like “unprecedented” and “flabbergasted” come to mind. It shows what can be achieved when our industry pulls in the same direction. From suppliers to distributors to technicians to trade bodies and our customers, we have shown unity and sent a clear message to the Government. We want Renewable Liquid Fuels, and we want them now.
Kehelland leads the way
If anyone in the Government needs any more pointers, the villagers of Kehelland provided them, loud and clear, in January. They stood outside the Energy Department, which involved a demanding twenty-hour round trip from Cornwall, speaking up for the four million consumers who rely on our industry to heat their homes. Their commitment deserves our admiration and our thanks.
A sector steady in unsteady times
Some of the challenges facing the energy sector stem from the simple fact that we have had four (maybe five, now) Prime Ministers in five years and five (possibly six) Secretaries of State. I’m sure you’ll agree that no company could operate like this, and it certainly would not produce clear messaging. We have demonstrated what clarity looks like, and we should not be ignored.
The political drama of recent months will no doubt continue until the next round of elections, especially those that will elect the next parliaments in Scotland and Wales. I was particularly pleased to see such strong support from both nations in the consultation responses. It sends a clear message to whoever takes office in Cardiff and Edinburgh. Rural communities expect to be heard.
Ireland shows what is possible
Ireland has already shown what can be achieved. The Irish Government listened to the detailed and consistent messaging from the Alliance for Zero Carbon Heating, of which UKIFDA is proud to be part. They answered all the questions in the UK consultation and developed the response “to tackle the decarbonisation of rural heat in a technology-neutral way, which includes the use of Renewable Liquid Fuels”.
Ireland faces the same risk of missing its targets as the UK, along with the added pressure of potential penalties from the European Union that would ultimately fall to taxpayers. The Renewable Heat Obligation is not perfect, and we are working to improve it, but it is a strong start.
Looking ahead to Liverpool
As we head to Liverpool for EXPO, I feel a real sense of purpose about what needs to be done across the UK and Ireland. I am looking forward to speaking with as many of you as possible. We need to build on this momentum and unity and honour every response submitted.
I am delighted by the number of exhibitors that have booked space, especially in what has been a challenging time for businesses across the UK. The conference programme is equally inspiring, with sessions covering police stops, driver training, future fuels and market analysis.
I am especially pleased that the head of the new Future of Fuels team at the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero will deliver a keynote on his department’s remit, followed by a roundtable with leading fuel suppliers.
After the success of the first Wolfe Power Club podcast in Leeds 2025, I am also pleased to see Alex return with a distinctly political flavour, just weeks before the local elections.
Our industry’s greatest strength
Our industry stands apart because of its people. One of the things I enjoy most is the awards presentations during the two days of this year’s Expo & Conference. Celebrating achievement, innovation, success or simply hard work matters. It is our version of “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”
See you in Liverpool!
Image credit: Margaret Major, Fuel Oil News