OFTEC IRELAND NEWS
OFTEC IRELAND HIGHLIGHTS THE COSTS OF CONVERTING NORTHERN IRELAND’S OIL HEATED HOMES TO HEAT PUMP TECHNOLOGY… Energy strategy needs simple and cost- effective solution T hat was the claim from the three trade bodies representing the liquid fuel heating industry in Northern Ireland in their detailed response to the Economy Department’s consultation on policy options for the Energy Strategy for NI. The consultation proposed two broad approaches to phasing out fossil fuel heating oils for off-grid consumers. In one of these scenarios, oil boilers would be banned, which would place a significant emphasis on heat pumps for off-grid properties. The second of these options is to retain liquid fuelled boilers and would instead focus on phasing out the sale of fossil fuels. This option would give consumers a range of options for their home heating including renewable biofuels and biomass in addition to heat pumps. OFTEC, UKIFDA and NIOF agree that change is required to help play a significant role as the UK seeks to meet its net zero ambitions, but finding the right solution at the right cost, with the least amount of disruption for each home, is key to making the strategy work for everyone. The cost of converting the 526,000 oil-heated homes in Northern Ireland to heat pump technology would be £8.7bn. However, the total cost of converting all of Northern Ireland’s oil heated homes to utilise a renewable liquid fuel would be £618m. OFTEC Ireland Manager, David Blevings said the bodies have already come together to present a ‘simple and cost-effective solution’ to the Department. David continued, “We are not against consequential improvements; any energy strategy must have energy efficiency at its heart. But, with the average cost of install for an air source heat pump and associated works at £26,300 versus £500 for conversion of your oil-fired boiler to operate with
OTEC Ireland Manager, David Blevings.
“With the correct policy and support, the transition could be easily delivered within five years and substantial carbon reductions achieved.”
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