This is blog #2 in a 3-part series of “Can you be GREEN with Oil?” blogs from GASSING IT UP.
The content of these articles is accredited to the Future Ready Fuel campaign, which promotes Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), a low-carbon liquid fuel made from waste fats and oils, as a viable, low-carbon alternative to kerosene for rural oil-heated homes.
The campaign, run by UKIFDA (the UK and Ireland Fuel Distributors Association) in conjunction with the trade association OFTEC (Oil Fired Technical Association), aims to provide information, conduct fuel trials, and demonstrate the technical feasibility and sustainability of HVO that offers a near 90% reduction in carbon emissions with minimal disruption to existing heating systems without requiring costly upgrades.
GASSING IT UP is very excited by the potential benefits of sustainable low-carbon renewable liquid fuels to off grid homeowners – not just to their homes and pockets but also to the environment – and wholeheartedly endorses the intent & objectives of the Future Ready Fuel campaign.
However, no more waffle, please explore & enjoy the content below and make your own mind up…
Transitioning to a renewable liquid fuel
Transitioning from oil heating to a renewable liquid fuel such as Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) only requires a minor modification to your boiler and a tank in good condition. This could be completed by a technician during a routine service and is expected to cost less than £500.
You keep your boiler, radiators, heating controls and everything else – It’s straightforward and hassle free.
HVO reduces emissions by up to 88% which is a significant carbon saving. However, you keep all the benefits of heating oil from instant heat, shopping around for the best price to purchasing the fuel when you want to. The liquid fuel industry is well established with experienced technicians and fuel distributors across the country who will maintain the high safety standards we all expect.
Renewable liquid fuels such as HVO are made from used cooking oil (UCO). This is sustainably sourced and doesn’t require any biofuel crops. Research shows there is also more than enough to meet the demand of the relatively small off grid heating sector.
Top 5 benefits of renewable liquid fuels
Cleaner and greener
reduces your carbon emissions by almost 90% compared to existing heating oil
Simple conversion
that can be conveniently done when your boiler is serviced or upgraded
Low cost
usual cost of conversion is around £500 (exact cost depends on your particular system)
Fossil free
made from fossil free, certified sustainable waste materials and doesn’t contribute to deforestation
No difference
runs just as efficiently as heating oil in your existing system and it’s odourless too
Homes are already using renewable liquid fuels
To prove the viability of renewable liquid fuels, as part of a two year project we converted around 150 buildings across the UK from kerosene to HVO. The results were an overwhelming success. No technical limitations were identified with positive feedback from all participants.
Renewable liquid fuels aren’t just for homes
In the village of Kehelland in Cornwall, fuel distributor Mitchell & Webb converted dozens of properties to HVO including the local school, church and village hall to prove how versatile the fuel is. It’s ideal for buildings, such as churches, where you need instant on and off heat.
How we can rollout renewable liquid fuels across the UK
Training and technical updates are already in place for technicians and fuel distributors to rollout renewable liquid fuels. The industry is ready and waiting. What we need now is for the government to support this approach, which includes implementing an obligation on fuel suppliers and equalising the fuel duty on renewable liquid fuels when it is used for home heating to be in line with transport.
We are having positive discussions with the government, but we need your support. If you want the choice of switching to a renewable liquid fuel then see how you can help us.
How can we help you?
If you would like to explore the feasibility of converting your current Kerosene-fuelled heating system to an HVO-fuelled heating system, please do not hesitate to contact us.
By choosing a trusted and registered local engineer, you’re not just protecting your home and keeping your heating system in top condition, you’re also supporting Whixley and the surrounding communities.
We highly recommend a visit the Future Ready Fuel website at www.futurereadyfuel.info/latest-news/ for the latest campaign news/progress.
Accreditation: The content in this article is accredited to the Future Ready Fuel campaign.
How can we help you?
If you would like to discuss any of the points raised in the article above please do not hesitate to contact us.
Remember, by choosing a trusted local engineer, you’re not just ‘Looking after your home, friends, and family’, you’re also supporting Whixley and surrounding communities.
Together, we can keep our friends and family safe, homes efficient, and our community strong.
Accreditation: This article is an output from Gas Safety Week 2025 and is reproduced courtesy of Gas Safe Register of which GASSING IT UP is a proud member.