OFTEC launches 2025 conference as Labour grapples with rural decarbonisation
OFTEC has announced its 2025 conference agenda which will see industry leaders from across the liquid fuel heating sector unite in calling for Labour to set out a fair and pragmatic rural decarbonisation plan, which includes renewable liquid fuels.
It comes ahead of the expected publication of the government's Warm Homes Plan which will outline Labour’s policy programme to deliver on the UK’s net zero targets. To date, the government has yet to provide clarity on how the rural off-gas grid heating sector will decarbonise in an increasingly uncertain economic environment.
The trade association is holding the conference in Tewkesbury on 4th June and will focus on the industry’s work to ensure rural homes and businesses have realistic and affordable decarbonisation options, and the role of renewable liquid fuels in achieving this.
OFTEC will host a Members’ dinner reception the evening before for guests and will open the conference the following morning with a range of speakers from across the industry.
Paul Rose, CEO of OFTEC, will start proceedings and provide a ‘state of the nation’ analysis to update attendees on the work of the trade association to address the growing need for alternative solutions, such as renewable liquid fuels, to deliver successful decarbonisation.
Neil Sawers, Commercial Technical Manager at Grant Engineering UK, will then share further details on the potential role of hybrid and linked systems as part of a multi technology solution in the home.
Guests will hear from Wayne Timperley, Regulatory Specialist at Local Authority Building Control (LABC) about the important role of legal responsibilities under Building Regulations, to ensure the high safety standards consumers expect continue to be upheld during the transition to new technologies.
Also speaking at the conference is Jonathan Kane, CEO of Kane International, the UK's largest manufacturer of analysers which help installers and service engineers keep combustion appliances in homes and workplaces efficient and safe. He will discuss combustion analyser history, why testing is essential and the impact of net zero.
This year will then see Martin Cooke, from EOGB Energy Products, step down as OFTEC Chair and hand over to Neil Sawers, Commercial Technical Manager at Grant Engineering UK, who will hold the post for the next two years.
Ahead of the conference, OFTEC CEO Paul Rose commented: “It’s been a positive year for OFTEC. We’ve continued to proactively engage with the Labour government and newly elected MPs across the political spectrum throughout the UK.
“It’s clear the UK is facing an increasingly challenging economic environment which is impacting both policy makers and consumers. If we are to deliver on our net zero targets, an ambition we share with the government, we must be pragmatic and explore all the options available to deliver realistic and affordable choices for consumers to drive adoption.
“As the government prepares to set out more details of its decarbonisation policy, it’s vital that rural communities are not overlooked. We’ve long spoken about the unique challenges and the need for a more bespoke approach which encompasses both electrification but also renewable liquid fuels, a technology we have proven is an ideal solution.
“We have been making our case to the government, which seems to be increasingly recognising the challenges they face. However, we must not rest on our laurels. I look forward to welcoming guests from across the industry to our conference so we can continue to work together to advocate a fair, low carbon future for the rural sector.”
For further information on OFTEC’s 2025 conference please contact gnewson@oftec.org.