Why are renewable fuels needed?

Why are renewable fuels needed?

Around 1.5 million homes use oil heating in the UK and the majority of them can be found in rural areas. Rural homes tend to be more diverse than their urban counterparts. With much more difference in size, shape, materials, age and construction methods.  This means that the decarbonisation effort is quite a challenge.

For example homes built prior to 1920 will usually have solid walls meaning poor heat retention. Approximately 65% of oil heated homes are built before 1920 and 65% are in the poorest EPC bands of E-G.

Constraints of heat pumps for rural properties;

• 97% of oil heated homes will require improvements to their home insulation prior to heat pumps being installed
• 51% of these homes are larger than the average home and are detached
• many households simply do not have the financial means to implement these measures
• many homes are listed and therefor have period features (single paned windows) or planning constraints
• Diverse and sometimes isolated positions of rural homes make it hard for cost effective roll out plans to work to achieve an economy of scale

Renewable fuels versus heat pumps

In order for heat pumps to be a successful low carbon measure the property in question should have good insulation, largely the following;

• Double glazed windows
• External wall insulation
• Loft insulation
• Cavity wall insulation
• Internal wall insulation
• Floor insulation
• Not to mention the existing radiators may not be correctly sized

Therefore, whilst heat pumps are the perfect solution for new build and modern homes which are built with the above as standard but for the average rural home this can pose extreme costs and disruption.

Its is calculated that the poor energy rated homes could face costs in excess of £30,000 before a heat pump can even be considered!

Renewable fuels: no hassle, not costly while cutting emissions by nearly 90%

Hydrotreated Vegetable oil or HVO is a sustainable fuel made from waste products or crops. The ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) confirms HVO is sustainable.

Properties that convert from oil to HVO will see an IMMEDIATE 88% reduction in carbon emissions. HVO allows almost any off-grid building to be very close to the governments net zero target and can be seen as a final solution or as a stepping stone depending on the properties and owners situation.

What if I need a new oil boiler now?

Whilst changes to the way we heat our home do need to happen, investing in a new energy efficient oil boiler is still a good investment. All Grant oil boilers are now HVO biofuel compatible and oil boilers will still be able to be purchased until at least 2026. Updating an old inefficient oil boiler with a efficient new model will reduce your energy bills and your emissions – typically by a substantial amount.

What next?

If you have any questions relating to this article or would like a free, no obligation oil quotation please call 01258 472132 or fill in the enquiry form.

 

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