OFTEC IRELAND NEWS
“Currently all the evidence points to Ireland missing its 2030 targets.”
biofuels stakeholder group and will consult on the inclusion of biofuels in the new energy strategy later this month. We all know that sustainable biofuels could replace kerosene and offer immediate carbon reductions. These have already been taken up by the transport sector and numerous NI councils are now using HVO to power bin lorries, fleet vehicles and even buses. We are seeing an increasing demand for HVO, and Maxol and Nicholls have HVO available on many forecourts across the province. We are seeing an increase in private use as people wishing to reduce their carbon footprint are choosing to use HVO instead of fossil diesel. As well as the biofuels consultation, we are expecting the Decarbonising Heat consultation, and this will give everyone involved in the home heat sector (and beyond) an opportunity to feed into how we could heat our homes in the future. Despite the negative tone of the Select Affairs Committee consultation, OFTEC believes net-zero targets on both sides of the border can still be achieved, provided governments pull in the same direction. Currently, all the evidence points to Ireland missing its 2030 targets.
In the Republic, new research showing efforts to reduce emissions by retrofitting Irish buildings is stalling. A study by UK sustainability advisors, 3Keel and Irish building materials firm, Kingspan claims just 10% of the Republic of Ireland’s annual retrofitting target was met in 2022, with much of the country’s building stock still heavily dependent on fossil fuels. Indeed, a recent report showed that the number of homes using liquid fuel (kerosene) has increased since 2016 by 28,173 to 714,177 and only 39% of Ireland’s housing stock – 827,634 homes – had a valid energy efficiency (BER) rating at the end of 2022 and less than 20% had ratings of B2 or above. And, despite record levels of government
funding for national retrofitting programmes, the Public Accounts Committee has been told the average homeowner is looking at a cost of €40,000, after grant aid, to bring their home to an ‘A’ rating standard of energy efficiency. While grants to assist with retrofitting may appeal to some, these findings appear to reinforce the view they are usually only adopted by consumers who can afford the works and can use the grant to supplement their expenditure. Both governments need to be more ambitious in incentivising change and promoting cleaner fuels such as HVO. Let’s hope our local politicians hear this message loud and clear!
The Biofuels Stakeholder Group.
David Blevings, OFTEC Ireland Manager on T: +44 (0)28 9186 2916 Sean McBride, Ireland Representative on T: +44 (0)7540 502 304 (NI) or +353 (0)87 241 7041 (RoI) www.oftec.org
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