Joint Heating Commission calls for policy support to help switch to renewable heating fuels
With more than 20 million households in Europe relying on liquid fuels for heating, the associations forming the Joint Heating Commission, ECFD, Eurofuel, FuelsEurope and UPEI, are urging policymakers to support renewable liquid fuels to meet the EU’s 2030, 2040, and 2050 climate targets. As the EU focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the associations emphasise that liquid fuels remain essential for rural, off-grid communities, providing an affordable, reliable energy source. Their latest publication explains it all: Heating with liquid fuels.
Renewable Fuels for a Low-Carbon Future
The future of oil heating is transforming with the advent of renewable liquid fuels such as HVO, FAME, and PtL fuels. These fuels reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 100 per cent compared to fossil fuels, presenting a viable path towards the EU’s decarbonisation targets. Furthermore, these renewable fuels can be used in existing boilers, minimising the cost and disruption for households as they transition to lower-carbon energy.
Federica Miano, Secretary General of Eurofuel said “With the right framework conditions, renewable liquid fuels can provide Europe’s rural communities with sustainable heating without compromising on energy security.”
Liana Gouta, Director General of Fuels Europe said “Renewable and low-carbon liquid fuels are inclusive energy vectors that allow lower income households and those living in off-grid areas to afford a lower carbon-footprint to heat their homes. The European Union must support R&D efforts in liquid fuels technologies. Energy delivered in a liquid state will always be critical to the energy security of European citizens.”
Three Steps for Transitioning to Carbon-Neutral Heating
The associations recommend a three-step approach to facilitate the transition to carbon-neutral heating for Europe’s oil-heated homes:
- Maximise Boiler Efficiency
- Promote Hybrid Systems
- Introduce Renewable Liquid Fuels
Policy Recommendations
The associations therefore call on EU policy makers to support the transition by:
- Implementing a technology-neutral policy framework that incentivises the production of renewable liquid fuels and promotes the adoption of efficient heating systems across all energy types.
- Promoting life–cycle emissions assessments to account for emissions at all stages of production and combustion.
- Increase investment in research and innovation for renewable liquid fuels.
- Addressing the social impacts of the energy transition, ensuring affordable and accessible low-carbon heating solutions for all, especially low-income and rural households.
Contact:
Christiaan Boiten, Secretary General
ECFD – European Confederation of Fuel Distributors
Email: boiten@ecfd.eu
