OFTEC push for realistic
NOx levels in Europe
The Oil Firing Technical Association (OFTEC) is hoping the UK government will back it’s fight to save the oil heating and cooking industry.
Current EU Commission proposals look set to dramatically reduce the permitted levels of NOx from central heating boilers from 250mg/kWh to between 35 and 70mg/kWh. The changes are contained within the Eco-Design of Energy Using Products Directive (EUPD), which is due to pass into UK national law in 2009.
At the latest consultation forum in Brussels, OFTEC’s Technical Director Alan Black questioned the proposals which threaten the viability of using oil fired domestic boilers in the UK and Ireland. “To achieve the lower NOx levels requires a much larger burner than the type we currently use here. Whereas the majority of European installations are either outside or in cellars, UK and Irish boilers are
usually in confined spaces such as kitchens or cupboards. Although the new proposals suit Europe, they would effectively signal the end of our oil heating industry.”
OFTEC is hoping to count government support in setting more realistic levels for NOx reduction. There are compelling arguments for blocking the legislation, not least that the 1.5 million householders who use oil could be forced to switch to more expensive fuels. The most recent figures from October 2007 put the cost of heating a three bedroom with an oil condensing boiler at £769 per annum in the UK. The other alternative fuels for those off the gas main are electricity and LPG – which cost £989 and £1,214 respectively per annum.
The directive could also mean job losses in manufacturing. With the reduction in market size, boiler and burner manufacturers in the UK and Ireland are likely to cease production of oil fired equipment. OFTEC estimates that approximately 21,000 jobs could be at stake in this sector.
Commenting on the Brussels meeting Alan Black said “UK Government support on this issue is of paramount importance to us, given the impact on households and employment. So far, the Irish Government is strongly supportive of setting realistic NOx levels and we hope that UK will be too. Our industry will endeavour to address
any concerns with regard to emissions as is has always done, but it is vital that this legislation is altered if thousands of UK and Irish households are not to be severely disadvantaged.”
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