An update on the Renewable Heat Obligation (Ireland)
A breakdown of the implications of the plans of the Irish Government to introduce ‘The Renewable Heating Obligation’ mandating all energy suppliers to have a certain percentage of renewable fuel in their heating fuels.
Last chance for technicians to engage as rural heat consultation responses hit 12,000
With the consultation open for a few more days, the huge number of submissions already received from rural communities and the industry speaks volumes about the strength of feeling.
Warm Homes Plan published: what it means for off-grid heating and the liquid fuel sector
The revised and newly-published Warm Homes Plan indicates large-scale support for electrification but leaves unanswered questions around rural, off-grid, oil-fuelled homes.
Technicians urged to add their voices to growing rural heating consultation response
Over 3,000 oil heated households, technicians and fuel distributors have already responded to the government heating consultation.
How sector transition is driving Navien’s journey into renewables
With heightening demand for manufacturers to support net-zero ambitions, Greg Banham, Commercial Director for Navien UK, explores how the leading provider of heating and hot water solutions is diversifying its product offering to help accelerate the development of renewables in the industry.
Carbon reductions in Ireland – where is the appetite for sustainable biofuels?
A full industry report from David Blevings for OFTEC Ireland, on progress being made in carbon reduction in Ireland and calls for more urgent and ambitious policy.
Grant UK Training Academy extends Green Skills college partnership
The Green Skills Academy at the Gelli Aur campus of Coleg Sir Gar was developed as a real example of a retrofit project in a redevelopment supported by Grant UK who will continue to partner with the academy to deliver training in environment sustainability, energy and carbon management , renewables and retrofit.
Awards recognise Grant for positivity and sustainability
Grant UK was a finalist in two categories at its local TBE Awards 2025 thanks to the company’s Kick the Carbon and Project Zero initiatives.
OFTEC investment further strengthens off-grid decarbonisation strategy
Malcolm Farrow is promoted to Director of Marketing and External Affairs at OFTEC as part of the organisation’s long term commitment to off-grid decarbonisation.
Grant’s Kick The Carbon rugby campaign delivers school sustainability boost
Now in in its second year, the Kick The Carbon campaign, delivered through a Grant UK and Bath Rugby Club partnership is continuing to make an impact in local primary schools.
Heat for today, hope for tomorrow: Firebird’s role in Ireland’s low-carbon journey
The Renewable Heat Obligation bill sets a course for a cleaner, more sustainable Ireland. But reaching that destination will require more than ambitious targets – Firebird is delivering solutions that work now.
Ireland greenlights a Renewable Heating Obligation
The Government in Ireland had proposed to introduce a renewable heating obligation (RHO) in 2026 for the heating sector.
MPs urged to back affordable green heating campaign for oil heated homes
Off-grid constituents are at risk of being overlooked in the drive for electrification.
Industry urges Government on rural decarbonisation strategy as customer cost concerns grow
Ahead of publication of the government’s long-awaited Warm Homes Plan, the liquid fuel heating industry has called for the adoption of five key recommendations that will ensure a successful transition for the complex rural off-gas grid sector. As a new survey of off-gas grid consumers reveals increasing concerns over the cost of transitioning to low carbon heating, the government is being urged to set out a clear road map for decarbonising rural households, The survey of 1,364 households that use oil heating, conducted by trade associations OFTEC and UKIFDA, revealed 60% of respondents are more worried about the costs of switching to low carbon heating systems than they were three years ago. The results have been shared ahead of the government’s expected publication of its Warm Homes Plan which will outline Labour’s policy programme to deliver the UK’s net zero targets. There are an estimated 1.7 million oil households in the UK who could be affected. The survey also revealed: Trade associations OFTEC and UKIFDA have written to Miatta Fahnbulleh, the minister responsible for the Warm Homes Plan, outlining five key recommendations to successfully deliver off-grid decarbonisation for rural homes as part of its strategy. Industry’s 5 recommendations Successful decarbonisation strategy Paul Rose, CEO of OFTEC, and Ken Cronin, CEO of UKIFDA, said: “Decarbonising the UK’s 1.7 million oil heated homes is a complex challenge as they face unique barriers due to their age, construction and rural location. Government policy must therefore focus on desired outcomes rather than mandating a single technology, such as electrification, which in many cases isn’t practical or affordable. Not to mention the significant shortage of installers. “A genuine technology neutral strategy would give households real choice and unlock a wider mix of cost effective and practical low carbon options. This includes renewable liquid fuels which have already been successfully demonstrated in around 150 off-grid buildings. “Whilst we all share the ambition to drive down our carbon emissions, in this even more challenging economic environment post April, both the government and households need to pull every lever and focus on affordable and practical low carbon solutions. Many rural businesses also rely on oil heating and would benefit from a wider choice of options. “We will continue to work positively with the government and wider industry to deliver successful decarbonisation across the off-grid sector.” Image provided by OFTEC.
The new government must align with industry and consumers for net zero to be successful
A call from OFTEC for equal policy support for renewable liquid fuels.