Heating with Liquid Fuels: Part of the solution for an affordable decarbonisation

Four associations representing the whole supply chain join forces to inform EU audiences about oil and liquid fuels for heating and their potential to reach EU’s energy and climate policy goals

Did you know liquid fuels can be supplied everywhere? Did you know oil heating releases substantially fewer particulates into the air than wood and had similar carbon dioxide emission levels as gas over the whole life cycle? Did you know modern oil boilers can help consumers reduce their energy bills by up to 30%?...

While liquid fuels provide heat to one of six households across Europe, their contribution to Europe’s energy and climate policy objectives often remains unknown. The advantages of oil heating especially in rural areas are frequently ignored and its carbon footprint generally overestimated by policy-makers.

To counter these myths and misconceptions and as the European Commission finalises its 3rd State of the Energy Union Report, four associations representing the whole supply chain of liquid fuel heating are joining forces to publish a guide to oil and other liquid fuels for heating in Europe. The document, presented in Brussels today, explains the features of this energy model and outlines development perspectives towards 2050.

Daniel Leuckx, from the refiners’ association FuelsEurope, said: “Liquid fuels follow very strict production standards. They also represent a very competitive and affordable energy”.
Johannes Heinritzi, President of the oil distributors’ association ECFD, insisted: “Unlike other heat sources, liquid fuels can be supplied everywhere. The distribution infrastructure is well developed and we are operating on a very competitive market with a high diversity of suppliers”.

Tristan Suffys, for Europe’s heating oil association Eurofuel, said: “Liquid fuels are a perfect energy form to facilitate the deployment of renewables, as a back-up energy for hybrid systems, and as an evolutive energy source with the increasing use of low-carbon fuels. This is particularly relevant for the introduction of new EU rules on renewables in heating”.

Yvonne Stausbøll, speaking on behalf of the independent fuel suppliers’ association UPEI, said: “EU and national policy-makers should recognise the positive contribution that evolving liquid fuels can make to an economically and socially fair energy transition. It is crucial to maintain a varied energy mix and a free choice of technologies by citizens.”

The new guide aims to answer policy-makers’ and other interested parties’ questions about the current role and perspectives of liquid fuels in heating. It will be available for download from the websites of all signatory associations.