A crucial part of the solution

The Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation Scheme (RTFO) has been a highly successful in increasing the use of biofuels in road transport fuels and has reduced carbon emissions by 330,000 tonnes each year. Energy experts have highlighted the role which biofuels will play in decarbonising various energy sectors.

But to accelerate the energy transition, biofuels and other sustainable alternatives must also be used to reduce emissions within the home heating sector. Furthermore, new fuels and developments mean that far greater reductions could be realised very quickly, and at a cost which is affordable to the overwhelming majority of Irish households. The use of bioliquid blends in home heating would be a viable transition away from the current reliance on kerosene and would offer significant carbon savings in a short time frame. The use of biofuels such as Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) can cut emissions by up to 86%.

The planned Renewable Heat Obligation Scheme (RHO) has the potential to be a gamechanger in reducing carbon emissions in home heating for the 720,000 homes currently using kerosene. TAZCH has demonstrated that a 20% blend of HVO in extising boilers can result in carbon savings equivalent to the installation of 160,000 heat pumps. This can be achieved using existing technology and without the cost and disruption involved in the installation of a heat pump and the necessary retrofitting.

In order for the RHO to be effective, it is essential that the obligation rates are set at a level that will deliver real reductions in carbon emissions.