The government has committed to exploring how the 1.7 million oil-heated homes in the UK could switch to a renewable liquid fuel after passing an amendment to its Energy Bill.
The move follows growing pressure from rural MPs who raised concerns over the fairness of the government’s existing proposals for decarbonising heating in off-gas grid homes, which would mean households could face high costs if they were forced to switch to a heat pump – the government’s preferred option.
Former Environment Secretary George Eustice MP initially put forward an amendment to the Energy Bill to ensure oil households instead have the choice of converting their boilers to run on a renewable liquid fuel made from used cooking oil.
In response, the government tabled its own amendment which passed through the House of Commons. It commits to delivering a consultation on the use of renewable liquid fuels within 12 months of the Bill receiving Royal Ascent.
More details: here.
