Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) is a renewable liquid fuel which has long been talked about as an alternative to the traditional heating oil, kerosene.
Low carbon oil alternative in the pipeline
The use of HVO as a heating fuel could significantly reduce carbon emissions in off-main gas areas, where buildings with lower EPC ratings may require substantial capital outlay and investment into infrastructure upgrades in order to be suitable for alternative technologies. HVO could contribute towards the decarbonisation of the oil supply, by replacing Kerosene with a renewable liquid heating fuel alternative.
As the cost and availability becomes more viable, HVO could be able to reach its market potential as a home heating fuel.
We are pleased to announce that we will be launching HVO Conversion Kits for our oil boiler portfolio, dating back to September 2018, as part of our ongoing commitment to ensure all homeowners have access to practical and viable low carbon alternatives to fossil fuels. Read more here.
HVO will significantly reduce carbon emissions in off-main gas areas, where hydrogen as a fuel type may not be an option.
Martyn Bridges, Director of Technical Services, discusses the current oil market.
1.3 million existing UK homes are currently with oil boilers.
The government is hoping to replace oil boilers with heat pumps, but its not a technology suitable for all property types. HVO could be a low carbon solution for off-gas grid homes with lower insulation levels or building restrictions.
For properties off the gas grid, HVO trials have been encouraging and have led to further trials...
Using 100% HVO or blending HVO with heat pump or solar would avoid swapping oil out entirely.
FAQ's
Decarbonisation Hub
Learn more about Decarbonisation and the various technologies available. For further insight download our 'Fuelling the future' Whitepaper.
Hydrogen
A hydrogen-ready boiler is a gas-fired heating boiler which is capable of burning either natural gas or pure (100%) hydrogen.
Heat Pumps
A heat pump is a relatively new technology in the UK although they are widely used in Scandinavia and many parts of Europe where there is an abundance of renewably sourced electricity.