ASSOCIATION NEWS
Update:
OFTEC CONTRIBUTES EVIDENCE TO REPORT IDENTIFYING THAT LIQUID BIOFUELS HAVE A KEY ROLE IN DECARBONISING HEAT IN OFF-GRID HOMES… Biofuels – is themessage getting through?
O FTEC has made it clear to Government that liquid fuels have a key role in a future energy strategy and serious carbon reductions can be achieved with minimal capital cost. Well, the message seems to be getting through as in July, the National Grid published the last edition of their annual Future Energy Scenarios report. OFTEC contributed to the evidence gathering for the report, which, for the first time, identifies an important role for liquid biofuels in decarbonising heat in off-grid homes. It states, “For rural areas, the switch to decarbonisation is harder as there is no one obvious solution for homes on either oil, solid fuel or LPG. Heat pumps can work, if the home is well-insulated and importantly if it is cost-effective to
upgrade the local electricity network to cope with the increase in peak demand. However, this is often not the case, so we’ve assumed that biofuels will be available for some rural homes.” This is good news and shows that at last, the role of biofuels is being taken seriously. At a local level in Ireland we have commissioned a study with AECOM, a recognised consultancy practice in the Republic, who are looking at the potential for biofuels and their contribution to reducing the carbon emissions in the home heat market. The report is expected this month. This research will allow OFTEC to lobby elected representatives and the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment.
HousingAid for Older People grant T he Department of Housing in ROI has changed the rules on the heating grant for older people (and those experiencing hardship). Previously you could only apply for a whole new heating system where you didn’t already have any heating. Now the rules permit repairs to an existing heating system. For example, if the oil boiler is beyond economic repair (e.g. baffles burnt out or the heat exchanger chamber/ jacket is leaking water), you can get a replacement boiler. Or if the tank is split, damaged or otherwise unsafe, you can get a replacement bunded tank. It is means tested and you have to be 66 years of age or older. The application form is available from www.housing.gov.ie. Most councils are specifying that an OFTEC contractor must be used and will want to see a copy of the installation and commissioning certificate and/or boiler passport.
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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