OFTEC announces 2024 conference on renewable liquid fuels in key election year
OFTEC has launched its 2024 conference where industry leaders will gather to discuss the growing support across the political spectrum for a wider rollout of renewable liquid fuels in the off-grid heating sector.
The conference will be the last before the general election and comes as the Conservative and Labour parties draft their manifesto policy commitments for transitioning homes and businesses onto low carbon heating to achieve the UK’s net zero targets.
The trade association is holding the conference in Tewkesbury on 5th June and this year will focus on the industry’s work to demonstrate the viability of renewable liquid fuels.
Martin Cooke, OFTEC Chair from EOGB Energy Products, will host a dinner reception the evening before for guests and will open the conference the following morning.
During the conference, Paul Rose, CEO of OFTEC, will update attendees on the growing support amongst backbench MPs for the use of renewable liquid fuels as a pragmatic and affordable solution to decarbonising off-grid homes and businesses.
Ken Cronin, CEO of UKIFDA, will share further details on research into the availability of renewable liquid fuels and the government’s commitment to hold a consultation on a Renewable Liquid Heating Fuel Obligation, expected later this year.
Also speaking at the conference is OFTEC’s Ireland Manager David Blevings who will outline the work taking place to engage with decision makers across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland which are developing their own heat policies.
The conference will conclude with John and Robert Weeden, from Cornish fuel distributors Mitchell & Webber, who will discuss the Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) demonstration project in Kehelland which has seen dozens of properties, including homes and the local school, church and pub, successfully convert to the renewable liquid fuel.
Mitchell & Webber, alongside OFTEC and UKIFDA, recently hosted the Energy Security and Net Zero Select Committee in Kehelland to speak with residents taking part in the trial to hear first hand the positive impact the fuel has had.
Ahead of the conference, OFTEC CEO Paul Rose commented: “It’s been another successful year for OFTEC and we look forward to welcoming guests to our 2024 conference. We’ve continued to build support across the industry, consumers and backbench MPs for renewable liquid fuels as an ideal low carbon solution for off-grid homes.
“Alongside the mounting evidence and real world demonstration, our industry has every reason to be optimistic about the future. However, even though politics at Westminster seem to have stalled, now is not the time to be complacent or take our foot of the pedal.
“The upcoming renewable liquid fuel consultation is a significant milestone and we must continue to pressure the government to publish it immediately. Off-grid homes are in limbo with uncertainty over how they will heat their home in the future. Our industry is ready to go with a tried and tested solution. It’s time for the government to catch up.”
For further information on OFTEC’s 2024 conference and AGM, or to book a free place to attend, please contact gnewson@oftec.org.