Trade association UK and Ireland Fuel Distributors Association (UKIFDA) has submitted its views on the government’s ‘Future Support for Low Carbon Heat’ and ‘Energy Efficiency in Existing Homes’ consultations.
It noted that the decarbonisation of heat is seen as among the biggest challenges the government faces in meeting this climate goal.
Commenting on the low carbon heat consultation, UKIFDA technical manager Tony Brown said: “Whilst we always welcome any news on low carbon heat options and decarbonisation innovations, we are disappointed there is no mention of liquid biofuels in this consultation.
“It is clear from these and previous government consultations that the focus is on heat pumps, which is a great shame and a source of frustration for UKIFDA, our members, and the heating oil industry as a whole, as we believe liquid biofuels can and should be part of the long-term solution and therefore need to feature in future energy policies.
“Liquid biofuels offers a practical, affordable and effective solution which addresses all of the government’s key requirements to keep energy bills low, cost effectively reduce carbon emissions, ensure a secure, resilient energy supply, bring economic benefits and avoid unreasonable upfront costs for consumers.”
UKIFDA chief executive Guy Pulham added that households were already dealing with the financial strain caused by COVID-19 and to impose further costs now seems out of the reach for many off-grid homeowners.
He said: “Instead of concentrating on expensive solutions such as heat pumps that many households simply can’t afford, the government needs to implement solutions in energy that are fair to all households. With a competitive marketplace that has a variety of energy options in place this would lower costs and provide a variety of low carbon options for an array of needs and budgets.”
The Environmental Audit Committee launched its inquiry into Energy Efficiency of Existing Homes in May and wanted views on such things as the potential risks and opportunities of bringing forward the government’s energy efficiency target, if energy efficiency should be legislated for and how effective EPC ratings are.