With copies of OFTEC’s Vision for the future of off-grid domestic heating in England and Wales, Niall Fay (l) with OFTEC CEO Paul RosePhoto by ©Andrew Higgins 2017 OFTEC welcomed its new chairman Niall Fay of Grant Engineering at last week’s AGM and mini-conference. Niall takes over from Nick Hawkins, director of commercial operations at Kingspan Environmental, who has held the post for two years. Speaking as he passed the baton on to Niall, Nick said: “It has been another strong year for both our industry and for OFTEC. Boiler sales increased by 15%, further building on the excellent growth we saw in 2015, and industry innovation has seen manufacturers offering low NOx solutions 18 months ahead of the September 2018 deadline. “With oil prices predicted to remain low for some time to come, we’ve every reason to believe our industry will retain its competitive edge. But we can’t afford to be complacent and OFTEC is already investigating the viability of low carbon biofuels, which we see as the future for our industry.” “I look forward to building on the excellent contribution Nick has made during his time as chair and to helping OFTEC take its next steps forward,” said Niall. “Through the technical innovation of OFTEC’s members, and our expanding technician registration base, we will continue to provide the best progressive support and services for the 2.3 million oil using households across the UK and Republic of Ireland,” Neil added. Other key achievements for OFTEC over the past year include the successful launch of the Tank Safe campaign in association with FPS to encourage consumers to look after their oil storage systems. Also, the continued growth of OFTEC’s competent persons scheme covering oil, solid fuel and renewable technologies, which now has almost 9,000 registered technicians – the highest level since 2013. OFTEC’s proposals to improve energy efficiency and carbon reduction for off grid homes in England and Wales were also officially presented at the annual conference. For a link to the document and a video visitwww.oftec.org.uk/news_and_press_releases/oftec-officially-launches-vision-at-annual-conference

“Government funding to support the development, evaluation and piloting of an ultra-low carbon fuel would be valued,” says Paul Rose A two-stage approach to reducing carbon emissions from oil-using households has been put forward by OFTEC in its response to the government’s ‘Heat in Buildings: The Future of Heat in Domestic Buildings’ consultation. OFTEC’s submission focused on the urgent need to decarbonise heat for the 920,000 oil using households in England and Wales – but in a way that is practical and affordable for consumers. OFTEC suggests this could be achieved by adopting a two-stage approach, looking at a boiler replacement programme in the short term and developing a very low/zero carbon liquid fuel alternative to kerosene as a realistic medium to long-term solution. “Our independently verified data shows a boiler replacement programme would prove five times more effective in reducing carbon emissions from oil using households than the current domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). “Government has already committed further funding to support the ill-fated RHI scheme but by doing so in preference to a boiler replacement scheme, is forfeiting the chance to reduce CO2 emissions by five times for every pound of expenditure. “A simple boiler replacement programme would be more affordable, easier to comprehend, and simpler to implement for homeowners compared to renewable alternatives, resulting in much higher take up. Due to oil being significantly cheaper to run than renewable options, the approach has the added benefit of reducing household energy bills which will in turn help to lessen the country’s severe fuel poverty issue. “Whilst a boiler replacement programme would provide an effective short-term carbon reduction solution, we believe the future lies in bringing to market a very low or zero carbon liquid fuel,” added Paul. “Following advancements in biofuel and building on OFTEC’s successful development of a bio/kerosene blend of fuel in 2010, we are evaluating the suitability of low carbon liquid fuels currently employed in the transport and aviation sectors, for use as a heating fuel. OFTEC’s submission also supported mandating heating controls along with simple steps such as system flushing and annual boiler servicing to ensure systems are working to maximum efficiency.www.oftec.co.uk

As latest figures show the number of households living in fuel poverty in England and Wales has increased to more than 10%, OFTEC is reigniting its calls on government to develop a heating strategy that is fair for all and will help those most in need. Fuel poverty data released by the Office of National Statistics earlier this year shows that 2.38 million homes are currently classed as ‘fuel poor’, representing a 1.4% increase on previous figures. The statistics also underline that fuel poverty is more prevalent in rural areas where properties are typically older, poorly insulated and therefore harder to heat. Additional figures confirmed earlier this month reveal that during winter 2014/15, there were 43,850 excess winter deaths (EWD) in England and Wales – the highest level seen in over 15 years. An important factor in these deaths each year is the high number of vulnerable people living in homes they can’t afford to adequately heat. Although provisional EWD figures for last winter (2015/16) show a fall to 24,300 recorded deaths, this drop is largely due to the abnormal spike in deaths seen during 2014/15 which has been attributed to an ineffective flu vaccine. If this anomaly is removed, the estimated number of EWDs in 2015/16 is still 39% higher than 2013/14. “Fuel poverty levels are higher in rural parts of the country – approximately 14% compared to around 10% in urban areas – even though the 1.4 million oil using households in the UK are enjoying by far the cheapest heating bills of all the major fuels,” said OFTEC CEO Paul Rose “At present, the main energy efficiency scheme open to low income households is the ECO initiative but this is due to finish in April 2017. Meanwhile, the only option for rural, off-grid households that don’t qualify for ECO is the domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). However, the focus of the RHI is firmly on carbon reduction by encouraging the take up of 100% renewable heating technologies such as heat pumps, rather than energy efficiency. “The UK desperately needs a new heating strategy which combines energy efficiency measures with carbon reduction. Also, one that is affordable and practical for the majority of consumers otherwise take up will always be limited. “Low oil prices make now the perfect time to invest in a modern boiler to secure long term savings. We would also like to see more support to better insulate rural homes to stop them ‘leaking’ heat. “In the longer term, industry is also assessing the viability of producing a bio-oil which will deliver substantial carbon savings for households currently on oil. Greening the fuel is a credible solution for the future which government needs to recognise in the UK’s heat policy going forward.”

Aberdeen City Council and the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU) a European-wide organisation are to boost the city’s hydrogen profile after signing a high level MoU agreement to ensure better working relationships for hydrogen fuel cells between regions and industry.  The FCH JU’s mission is to accelerate the commercialisation of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies to help decarbonise the transport sector by accelerating the adoption of fuel cells and hydrogen technologies. Aberdeen is a leader in hydrogen technologies through schemes such as the Hydrogen Bus Project. “It is essential that the City Council – and Aberdeen – keeps up to date with current hydrogen and greener energy strategies, locally, nationally and transnationally and also looks forward to ensuring that Aberdeen is at the forefront on delivering within the strategies – Aberdeen holds the presidency of HyER, the hydrogen organisation for the European regions,” said councillor Barney Crocket. Meanwhile Shell has announced that it will open the first hydrogen refuelling station at a Shell branded site in early 2017. www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/

More calls for a boiler scrappage scheme to improve air quality. Photo:  andykirby79 A broader boiler scrappage scheme is being recommended to improve air quality, following a recently published report from Policy Exchange and King’s College London. Recognising the benefit of the Boris Boilers scheme launched in February 2016, the report said this welcome start needed to be expanded and refocused in order to maximise benefits in terms of air quality. The report Up In The Air: How to Solve London’s Air Quality Crisis: Part 2’ suggests a scrappage scheme with a target of replacing 500,000 boilers in London by 2020 and for all boilers to meet the ultra low NOx by 2025. The suggestion was welcomed by the Heating & Hot Water Industry Council where director Stewart Clements, said: “Despite its significance, combustion from boilers and cookers has until now, rarely been considered when discussing air quality. We know that there are approximately 9 million inefficient boilers in UK homes, contributing to both carbon emissions and poor air quality. “The delivery of boiler scrappage schemes is tried, tested and successful. This new report recognises this and advocates the creation of a robust boiler scrappage scheme. It calls for grants to be offered to homes and business to upgrade their heating systems. I hope this new report will assist in kick starting a proper and full debate on air pollution and its effects.” Fuel Oil News is disappointed to report that although Boris included both oil and gas boilers in his scrappage scheme, this one seems to focus only on the latter…. .http://www.policyexchange.org.uk/publications/category/item/up-in-the-air-how-to-solve-london-s-air-quality-crisis-part-2 

“We would like to see government harness the power of OFTEC technicians by including them in the roll out of future energy policies,” said Jeremy Hawksley. After a ‘very positive’ meeting with Dr Dan Poulter, deputy chairman of the Energy and Climate Change Select Committee last month, OFTEC has submitted recommendations that focus on ‘incentivising solutions that are simple, affordable to install and offer competitive running costs’.

Launching CO Awareness month in Northern Ireland at the beginning of November Carbon Monoxide (CO) Awareness Month has been running throughout November. In Northern Ireland, OFTEC has been warning householders of the dangers after an increasing number of incidents across the country this year. Despite major growth in stove sales, many people are unaware of the connection between CO and fossil fuels. Research in the Republic of Ireland during its CO awareness week in September found that only 50% of consumers were aware of the potential risk from oil heating and just 40% for coal. “It’s very important that householders understand the importance of checking their home heating systems annually,” said OFTEC Ireland manager David Blevings. “An oil boiler should be serviced correctly by a qualified technician – a boiler clean will not give protection from a potential carbon monoxide threat. When conducting a boiler service, OFTEC technicians use a flue gas analyser as standard, which gives the boiler an efficiency rating;  more importantly it checks for carbon monoxide spillage. OFTEC is also establishing a new solid fuel register of qualified heating technicians and installers which clearly details those who have been specifically trained to safely install and maintain solid and multi-fuel stoves. “People need to be aware of the dangers and ensure stoves are installed and maintained correctly,” added David.  “If a flue is installed incorrectly this can lead to a fire starting in the attic or a carbon monoxide leak. Like all fuel burning appliances, stoves should only be installed by a competent person and then serviced at least once a year for optimum safety and peace of mind.” Richard Meredith, chair of the CO safety group and head of gas safety at the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland said: “Now in its third year, we’re delighted that OFTEC continues to support this initiative to highlight the dangers of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide can kill and even low-level exposure over a long period can cause lasting damage to your health.” “We would agree with OFTEC’s advice for consumers to ensure all fuel burning appliances – such as heaters, boilers and cookers – are serviced at least annually by a registered engineer. And, all chimneys and flues should be inspected annually and swept, if required, by a registered technician. As an additional precaution, you should also install an audible carbon monoxide alarm.” “The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are often difficult to diagnose as it mimics the symptoms of other common illnesses such as flu and headaches. Everyone should be aware of its dangers and know what measures to take to protect themselves and others.”watchout.hseni.gov.uk/

The V25 Test Rig at the Trondheim, SINTEF Research Institute Using environmentally friendly methods to process crude and dirty oils, Fluid Oil has commissioned its first heavy to light oil processing technology at its new location on the Thames estuary. Fluid Oil is a British enterprise that started over ten years ago in Norway as the result of a competition to create a new way of turning heavy crude oil into a lighter, higher quality product. Now established and well-proven, the process takes bitumen, or heavy product of less than 6api, turning it into a cleaner, thinner oil for further refining or making into plastic feedstock. The process also thins out very thick crude enabling it to be pumped through pipelines without the need for heating or special solvent additives.  Around 20% of the world’s known oil reserves are of the heavy type that currently requires expensive solvents or heating to make it transportable. The only physical waste product from the process is sand that is clean enough to build with. To take advantage of the engineering and management skills more readily available in the UK, in 2012 the company restructured into the UK from Trondheim. The technology is a game changing innovation on well tested fluid bed processes, meaning gas waste is minimised as a Rig produces the same carbon as a modern double decker bus. Fluid Oil, which has the potential to handle thousands of barrels of oil a year at its new site, will begin processing product within the year.  Even with the reducing oil prices recently experienced, Fluid Oil can compete as it can process viably with prices as low as $15 a barrel! The company is now building new Rigs in the UK for overseas customers and the analysis of their oil samples.www.fluidoil.co.uk

Amber Rudd, secretary of state at the Department of Energy and Climate Change understands about the efficiencies of modern oil condensing boilers but will not support a boiler scrappage scheme Amber Rudd, secretary of state at the Department of Energy and Climate Change, is not prepared to support a boiler scrappage scheme, which, she says, ‘would only serve to undermine the long term strategy for the UK’. In response to a letter sent to her by OFTEC chairman, Nick Hawkins, soon after she was appointed as the head of DECC, Ms Rudd said: “Regarding your proposal for a boiler scrappage scheme, I do understand your point about the efficiencies of modern oil condensing boilers and the effect this can have on fuel consumption and households should be made aware of and take the opportunity if they are choosing a new oil boiler to make these savings. “The UK, however, is committed to reducing carbon emissions by 80% by 2050 and significant reductions throughout the interim period in our carbon budgets.  This is a challenging goal.  Of course, oil, like other fossil fuels, will continue to play a role in the UK’s energy mix in the short term, but if we are to achieve a reduction of this level then it is likely to require reducing emissions from buildings to near zero. “To make the transition to a low carbon economy then we will need to change the way we heat our homes. This will mean lowering the energy demand across all the UK’s housing stock through better thermal efficiency, changing consumer behaviour as well as deploying low carbon and renewable heating alternatives. “As you are aware, the primary vehicle for supporting the uptake of renewable heating systems is the Domestic Renewable Heating Initiative (RHI) which is targeted to homes that are off the gas grid, with the clear view that those without mains gas have the greatest challenge in making the switch and, depending on their current fuel, the greatest impact on carbon emissions.” Ms Rudd concluded: “You will understand, therefore, why at a time when we need to focus public spending much more acutely on our objectives, I cannot support a boiler scrappage scheme, which would only serve to undermine the long term strategy for the UK.” Ms Rudd’s letter to Nick Hawkins was written around two weeks before the government announced its proposal to slash the feed-in tariff rates for solar PV by as much as 87% from January 2016 – a move the solar industry has widely condemned.

Erecting the latest turbine at D J Davies Ammanford depot Formed in 1971 D J Davies Fuels has diversified to offer its customers a range of energy products including fuel, coal, biomass and wind; a new turbine was recently erected beside the company’s Ammanford depot. The company’s first turbine was erected in December 2014 and now supplies power to 400 homes. Asked why the company had gone down the wind route, owner Alan Davies said:  “There were several reasons, the primary one being that as an energy business it seemed to be a natural step for us to go into renewables. “Adding other energies such as biomass and wind gives us a more balanced portfolio and of course with wind, there are financial incentives.”  The company also belongs to a consortium operating a further 15 wind turbines which provide power to 25,000 homes. All types of biomass are supplied – firewood, logs, kindling wood and wood chip delivery for which there will shortly be by a dedicated vehicle. “Demand for renewables is certainly growing in this region and in many other areas around the UK and Ireland,” said Alan. “We have many customers who have already made the transition from oil to biomass. “ I do feel that fossil fuels are under the cosh; we’ve not reached our carbon reduction targets – so the cosh will continue. I think diversity is the way forward.”www.djdaviesfuels.co.uk

Heating industry professionals favour ‘a more gradual stepped approach to low carbon heating which would be far more palatable for consumers’ says Jeremy Hawksley According to the results of a poll held at OFTEC’s annual conference last month, over three-quarters of those questioned were looking towards hybrid heating systems, with oil working in tandem with renewable technologies. A further 16% said a shift to bio-liquid fuels such as OFTEC’s B30K, a blend of 30% FAME and 70% kerosene, would be a likely move. Almost three quarters of the heating industry professionals who attended also think the government’s 2050 Heat Strategy is unrealistic. The survey of more than 50 industry leaders, manufacturers and technicians found that 70% felt DECC’s Heat Strategy, published earlier this year, would result in less than half of the UK domestic heating market coming from renewable sources by 2050.  It will also fall far short of its target to achieve an 80% reduction in UK carbon emissions from 1990 levels by 2050. A further 67% of those polled said the domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme in its current form is the wrong vehicle to move UK homes to renewable heat. An overwhelming 98% also said heat pumps were not a realistic alternative to oil-fired boilers for retrofit properties without significant – and costly – upgrades to insulation and controls. Commenting on the results, OFTEC director general Jeremy Hawksley said: “Cynically you could say that an audience with a keen interest in oil would take the opportunity to knock the government’s Heat Strategy and renewable technologies. “However, OFTEC members fully support the UK’s transition to low carbon heat and recognise the increasing role domestic renewable heating technologies will play in the longer term. That’s why OFTEC has launched registrations and MCS certification for heat pumps and solar thermal systems, with biomass to follow later this year. OFTEC has again called for a more pragmatic approach and continues to lobby for an alternative approach, including a simple boiler scrappage scheme. With sales of new oil condensing boilers so far this year up 9% on 2014 levels, there is clearly a strong demand and an opportunity to make considerable carbon savings. Heating industry professionals favour ‘a more gradual stepped approach to low carbon heating which would be far more palatable for consumers’ says Jeremy Hawksley  with hybrid systems and bio-fuels representing a more affordable, half-way house solution for many.

Adrian Lightwood – “The Heating and Renewables Roadshows present an excellent opportunity to showcase OFTEC’s new scopes of registration” The Oil-Fired Technical Association (OFTEC) is to showcase its new scopes of registration at the Heating and Renewables Roadshows which will take place across the UK in September.September Thursday 10th  – Ricoh Coventry Tuesday 15th –   Westpoint Exeter Thursday 17th – FIVE Farnborough Tuesday 22nd –   RHC Edinburgh Thursday 24th –   Event City Manchesterheatingandrenewablesroadshow.co.uk “With oil prices remaining so low and the trend predicted to continue, the future for oil looks positive,” said OFTEC registrations director Adrian Lightwood. “However, OFTEC recognises the increasing role domestic renewable heating technologies will play in the longer term and fully supports the UK’s transition to low carbon heat.  We want to help forward thinking oil installation businesses to expand their customer reach. “The Heating and Renewables Roadshows present an excellent opportunity to showcase OFTEC’s new scopes of registration covering heat pumps, solar thermal systems and solid fuel, with biomass registrations to be launched later this year. “It’s an exciting time for OFTEC as we move into a more energy diverse era. Our aim is to consolidate OFTEC’s position as one of the leading Competent Persons Scheme operators within the heating sector and remain the quality benchmark for installers, servicing technicians and homeowners alike. “Plus, those installers already working in the renewable and solid fuel sectors can also take advantage of the extensive benefits, from self-certification to free technical advice, and value for money OFTEC registration provides.”

Volvo Trucks has now approved the use of hydrotreated vegetable oils (HVO) in all its Euro-5 engines with unchanged service intervals. In September 2015, there will be a global type-approval for HVO in FL and FE Euro-6 engines with other engine variants to follow After extensive field testing of the renewable synthetic diesel HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oils), Volvo Trucks has approved the fuel for all its Euro-5 engines and are preparing certifications for Euro-6. The HVO performed the same as regular diesel, but reduced CO2 emissions between 30% and 90% In 2013, Volvo Trucks started a field test together with Renova, DHL Freight and OKQ8 to see how the use of 100% HVO affected engine performance and components. The six field test trucks were equipped with Euro-5 engines and covered approximately one million kilometres in commercial service over a two-year period. “The field test showed that the HVO works very well in our engines and can be used under the same conditions as regular diesel. It is also possible to freely mix diesel and HVO,” says Tobias Bergman, product manager for alternative fuels and hybrids at Volvo Trucks. The positive results from the field test mean that Volvo Trucks has now approved the use of HVO in all its Euro-5 engines with unchanged service intervals. In September 2015, there will be a global type-approval for HVO in FL and FE Euro-6 engines and, in parallel, work is also underway to certify FM, FMX, FH and FH16 engine variants. “The fuel is suitable for all customers who want to reduce their CO2 emissions and we see no restrictions regarding the type of transport or business. Combining HVO with the low emissions of our Euro-6 engines will allow the environmental impacts of the trucks to be minimised,” says Tobias Bergman. HVO is a synthetic diesel and is produced from renewable raw materials such as vegetable and animal fats, from rapeseed oil or abattoir waste, for example. The fuel can be distributed via existing diesel depots and uses the same type of tanks and pumps as regular diesel. HVO reduces CO2 emissions between 30% and 90% well-to-wheel, depending on the raw material. “We believe in HVO’s potential and see an increasing interest from both customers and transport buyers. The major challenge is the availability of raw materials and refineries. We therefore hope that our investment in fuel will contribute to increased demand and that the HVO can be used in many other parts of the world in future,” says Lars Mårtensson, director environment and innovation at Volvo Trucks.  www.volvotrucks.com

OFTEC is calling for a ‘more joined-up carbon reduction and energy policy’ which still includes renewable technology incentives but also offers ‘more affordable measures such as a boiler scrappage scheme’ “Evidence strongly suggests that the government is using the wrong vehicle to encourage people to cut CO2 emissions,” says Jeremy Hawksley, OFTEC’s director general. “A more realistic, pragmatic solution is clearly needed if the country is to significantly reduce its carbon footprint,” says Jeremy. “Latest statistics from the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) show just 11,149 new renewable installations have been completed since the RHI launched in April 2014 – that’s less than 1,000 per month. “The RHI scheme has failed to attract sufficient support, barely achieving in a whole year the number of installations required each month for DECC to meet its ambitious 2020 carbon reduction targets, says OFTEC which calculates that around 10,800 installations would be needed every month to reach the government’s goal of 750,000 installations by 2020. “The high upfront costs of installing renewable technologies, which are typically between £9k and £14k, are prohibitive for all but the wealthy few,” says Jeremy. “Even with RHI incentive payments, most people simply can’t afford to take up the scheme, even if they want to. Exacerbating the low take up of the RHI is also the complexity of both the application process and the practical issues involved in installing renewable technologies.”An overhaul of RHI and a boiler scrappage scheme Before the election, OFTEC wrote to all parliamentary candidates in rural areas – where most off-gas grid households the RHI targets lie – urging them to support an overhaul of the RHI. Jeremy Hawksley continues: “With the election now behind us, a full review of the domestic RHI is now essential. We believe it should be replaced by a more joined-up carbon reduction and energy efficiency policy that would encourage far greater consumer buy in. This would still include renewable technology incentives but also encompass more affordable measures such as a boiler scrappage scheme to incentivise the switch to high efficiency condensing boilers. There is still clearly a strong demand for these greener, cheaper to run boilers with sales for Q1 this year up 7% on the equivalent period in 2014. “These simple changes would make carbon reduction and energy efficiency measures accessible to many more households – especially the elderly and fuel poor – which now are excluded from the RHI because of the high upfront costs of renewables.”  www.oftec.org.uk

(l-r) Ron Tomal, Stuart Sealey, and Donald Smith After 40 years in the oil industry, Ron Tomal, terminal manager at Certas Energy’s Aberdeen and Inverness terminals has retired. Donald Smith has been named as the new terminal manager. After six years in the role, it will be a sad occasion for Certas Energy and its employees across Scotland when Ron says his final farewell to the business. Ron’s distinguished career began in 1975 with Ellis & McHardy Oils (a BP distributor) in the Forfar depot, which Certas Energy now owns. Ron has assumed a number of roles during his tenure with Certas Energy, including operational and health, safety and environmental positions. Stuart Sealey, operations & HSE director, commented: “Ron has been a valued employee for many years. On behalf of Certas Energy, I’d like to thank him for his hard work and commitment to the business over the years. We wish him well as he starts the next exciting phase of his well-deserved retirement.”Donald Smith takes over the reins Following a successful transition from previous oil operators in 2010, Certas Energy has been operating the Aberdeen Pointlaw and the Inverness Cromwell Road terminals. As one experienced employee leaves, another begins, with Donald Smith taking the reins as terminal manager having joined the business at the beginning of April. New terminals manager, Donald Smith, brings a wealth of experience to the role, built up over thirty years and with a particularly strong safety, international energy, engineering and project management background. In that period he has worked in a variety of management and leadership roles providing comprehensive technical and people support for companies in the UK, Middle East and internationally. Welcoming Donald to the Certas Energy family Stuart Sealey said: “I look forward to working with Donald and the team at Aberdeen and Inverness to ensure the business remains a prominent player in the Aberdeen area and beyond. “Donald holds full responsibility for the safe and efficient running of these terminals. This includes accountability for both sites’ operating safely, compliantly and cost effectively. In Scotland, Certas Energy operates under the brands Caledonian Oils, Brogan Fuels, Emo Oil and Scottish Fuels.Ron’s retirement plans Originating from Kirriemuir, near Forfar in Angus, Ron’s career in the oil industry led to his move to Aberdeenshire over 20 years ago. Outside of work, Ron is a family man, happily married for 43 years, 2 daughters and 4 grandchildren. With his retirement imminent, Ron plans to enjoy the outdoors life, playing golf, cycling and walking in the Royal Deeside area where he lives. www.certasenergy.co.uk

Rural households can face unique challenges says Janice Banks of ACRE who points out that the current delivery of government- backed measures is failing those without a connection to the mains gas grid Supported by rural communities’ charity ACRE, OFTEC and FPS have written to more than 500 prospective parliamentary candidates urging them to support proposals for a radical shake-up to home heating policies for the UK. The letter, sent to election candidates representing the majority of rural constituencies in the UK, calls for a greater and more pragmatic approach to reducing fuel poverty and carbon emissions.Recommendations put forward include:• Stronger emphasis on upgrading insulation in rural homes which have far poorer EPC ratings than urban properties• Incentivising the installation of high efficiency condensing boilers by re-introducing boiler scrappage schemes for oil boilers as well as mains gas boilers• Revising the domestic RHI to better incentivise hybrid heating systems and include bio-fuels such as B30K• Extend government funding to support low income off-grid households Speaking about the letter, which has received significant positive support from many of its recipients, OFTEC’s director general, Jeremy Hawksley, said: “There’s a great opportunity for the new government, whichever political colour it may be, to introduce much more realistic and all-inclusive domestic energy policies that address fuel poverty and carbon emission reduction simultaneously, rather than as separate goals.” Janice Banks, chief executive of Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) which is the national body representing 38 rural community councils, added: “With a high percentage of inefficient, solid-wall housing and many homes without a connection to the mains gas grid, rural households can face unique fuel poverty challenges. However, the current delivery of government-backed measures is failing households that live in difficult-to-treat houses and those that have to rely on heating oil or LPG for their energy.” The organisations behind the letter plan to push their message further once the new government is formed with the aim of improving conditions for the off-grid heating sector.www.oftec.org.ukwww.fpsonline.co.uk

In changes under the rebrand, Martyn Lyons becomes chief executive of Inter Terminals with Richard Sammons in the new role of executive chairman From January 1st Simon Storage is rebranded as Inter Terminals, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Canadian company Inter Pipeline. The combined Inter Terminals business, which includes operations in the UK, Ireland, Germany and Denmark, is one of the largest independent bulk liquid storage businesses in Europe, with more than three  million cubic metres of storage capacity located across 12 terminals. Terminals store  hazardous and non hazardous liquids, including oils, chemicals, biofuels and waste oils at the coastal ports of Immingham, Teesside and Tyneside in the United Kingdom and on the Shannon estuary in Ireland. Inter Terminals will be led by Martyn Lyons who is promoted to chief executive. With over 25 years experience in the tank storage sector, Martyn is well known within the industry and continues to serve as chairman of the UK Tank Storage Association. He succeeds Richard Sammons who is moving into a new role as executive chairman. “I am delighted to see the integration of our operations under one unified management structure,” said Richard Sammons. “I  wish Martyn and his team every success in their new roles.  Adopting the Inter Terminals name across our European terminal network will strengthen brand recognition and the marketing of our integrated suite of storage services. It also creates a stronger branding affiliation with Inter Pipeline which continues to provide strong support for our operational and growth initiatives across Europe. We look forward to serving both existing and new customers in the future.”www.interterminals.com

IFC Inflow will be among the exhibitors at this month’s Tank Storage Association exhibition and conference which takes place at the Ricoh Arena on Thursday 18th September. A leading supplier of tanker loading equipment and tanker safe access systems, the company offers a range of equipment including petroleum & chemical loading arms, tanker loading skids, loading platforms and gantries, self-levelling folding stairs, mobile safe tanker access equipment and high speed bulk loading systems. Petroleum bottom loading arms – The 445 series arm is designed for heavy duty use at petroleum terminals and distribution depots. It is the ideal replacement for first generation arms reaching the end of their life and for new applications requiring high performance at a low cost. Chemical loading arms – Articulated top and bottom loading arms for chemical and food applications. Custom designed and tailor made for individual customer requirements. Typically made from carbon or stainless steel, options include pneumatic control, overfill sensors, vapour cones, lagging and trace heating and PTFE lining for very aggressive applications. Petroleum loading skids – Factory built & tested loading skids are ideal for terminal applications where flexibility and speed are essential. Offering flow rates up to 2500 l/min, high accuracy metering, up to 6 product arms per system, fully compliant with ATEX regulations.  Optional blending and additive injection control systems. Safe tanker access – Gantries and platforms designed to comply with the latest work at height regulations and when fitted with our self-levelling folding stairs provide the safest way for operators to access the tops of tankers. Folding stairs – Providing safe access to any height tanker, stairs come in a range of sizes and when fitted with an optional safety cage offer total operator safety while working on the tops of tankers. Options include pneumatic control, cages in special sizes and materials, press down facility and cage infill grating.

Two petrol stations have been raided and seven men and two women from across southern England have been arrested for their involvement in a suspected £3m fuel fraud, during an operation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Around 170 HMRC officers, assisted by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) and Sussex and Hampshire Police, searched 12 residential premises, five business premises and two petrol stations in East and West Sussex, Kent, Essex, Hampshire and Somerset. The investigation is focused on the suspected illegal purchase and sale of rebated kerosene and biofuel to motorists as duty-paid road diesel. It is believed the fraud is worth an estimated £3m in unpaid excise duty and VAT. All those arrested were questioned by HMRC investigators and released on bail while enquiries continue. Meanwhile, in Co Tyrone, a man and a woman have been arrested and nearly 8,000 litres of fuel seized as part of an ongoing HMRC investigation into a suspected VAT and excise fraud worth an estimated £300,000. HMRC officers, accompanied by the Police Service of Northern Ireland, searched a private address and a retail site in the Cookstown area where they seized computers and business records linked to the fraud investigation. And a woman has been arrested after a laundering plant, capable of producing nearly 3.6 million litres of illicit fuel a year and evading over £2 million in lost duty and taxes, was discovered by HMRC officers during a search of domestic premises in Co Armagh. Four tonnes of toxic waste was safely removed from the site.

Jeremy Hawksley, director general, OFTEC Targets set out in the impact assessment produced by the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) state that Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) will support around 750,000 renewable heat installations by 2020 – that is approximately 10,800 new accreditations per month. Latest figures from OFGEM show that since the RHI was launched in April, 5,158 renewable heating systems have been accredited under the scheme. At the current rate of take up, DECC’s goal of 10,800 new accreditations per month looks unrealistic. According to OFTEC, a simple, all-inclusive boiler scrappage scheme would go much further than the costly and complex RHI in helping the government achieve its ambitious goal of 80% less carbon emissions by 2050.  This is because it would appeal to a far wider audience. Jeremy Hawksley, director general at OFTEC, comments: “Even before the RHI was launched, we voiced concerns that the scheme would suffer the same fate as the Green Deal. RHI payments only come into play once the renewable heating system has been installed and the average consumer simply cannot afford to get started due to the high upfront costs of between £8,000 and £19,000 to install these technologies. “Whilst we recognise that the initial take-up of any such scheme is often low and that momentum may build, there is going to have to be an enormous surge of interest in the RHI to meet government targets. We are doubtful that with such a costly and complex scheme this will happen.” Jeremy Hawksley continues: “What the country needs is a simple, accessible scheme which consumers can really get to grips with. We already know that a boiler scrappage scheme works as a similar initiative in 2010 saw 120,000 old, inefficient boilers replaced.” OFTEC’s concern about lack of interest in the domestic RHI is supported by a recent survey conducted by OFTEC and Watson Petroleum of 750 oil heated homes. This revealed that just 4% would consider switching to an air source heat pump, with 73% choosing to upgrade to a new oil condensing boiler. Jeremy Hawksley concludes: “The government needs to think again and instead of pushing expensive renewables which will only appeal to the wealthy few, it should channel its resources into realistic boiler upgrade schemes that will encourage millions of home owners  to take simple yet effective energy efficiency measures which will collectively make a greater contribution to CO2 reduction targets.” OFTEC’s view that only the relatively wealthy can afford the high initial investment. As such it’s clearly a regressive policy. This is important because rural dwellers and, by extension oil heating users, contain a higher proportion of people living in fuel poverty than the population as a whole. So the people who most need help to upgrade and improve their energy efficiency are effectively prevented from accessing RHI because the upfront cost is unaffordable – exacerbated because their homes are often difficult to improve. By contrast, the scrappage scheme that we advocate would be much cheaper both for homeowners and for government to implement and more likely to be successful as a result.

Millbrook will exhibit its extensive range of facilities and capabilities at this year’s Low Carbon Vehicle event on 10-11 September 2014. The annual event, which attracts visitors from across the globe and combines a technology exhibition, Ride & Drive, networking activities and an extensive seminar programme, is the ideal forum for the business to reinforce its message that there is more to Millbrook and to demonstrate to current and potential new customers its full service offering. Millbrook’s engineers perform repeatable tests on all types of vehicles in a secure and safe environment. With a range of facilities for components and full vehicles, the company can perform tests using engine dynamometers, environmental chambers, crash laboratories and advanced emissions testing systems. CEO, Alex Burns, says: “Our extensive laboratory facilities, 70km of varied test tracks, including hill routes, high speed areas and challenging off road courses and 45 years’ of engineering, test and validation experience, makes Millbrook an ideal partner at any stage in the development and launch of the vehicles of tomorrow. “We have some exciting plans for the future of Millbrook, including a new technology park and upgraded engine test facilities and I look forward to sharing these forthcoming investments with visitors at LCV.” www.millbrook.co.uk www.cenex-lcv.co.uk

Volvo has teamed up with Gasrec Volvo Trucks has teamed up with biofuel supplier Gasrec to help business customers cut haulage costs and reduce carbon emissions. Gasrec is Europe’s largest supplier of Bio-LNG; a blend of liquefied natural gas and liquid biomethane (LBM). Volvo Trucks is the first truck manufacturer in the world to produce trucks tailored to run on renewable liquid and gaseous fuels. When substituted for diesel, Bio-LNG can cut fuel costs and CO2 by around 20%.

Jeremy Hawksley (director general, OFTEC), Martyn Bridges (new OFTEC chairman), Nick Hawkins, DESO Engineering (new OFTEC vice chairman) and Barry Gregory, Riello (outgoing OFTEC chairman) This was just one of the many questions asked at OFTEC’s AGM last month when the long term future of the oil heating industry was under debate.