The governments 2021 budget announcement back during march mentioned a strong backing of renewable energy installations such as air source heat pumps and ground source heat pumps.

As a heating oil user you may have been presented with heat pumps as the only option however, this is not the case.

HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil)

is a form of renewable fuel that has been produced from renewable and sustainably sourced vegetable fats and oils. HVO uses hydrogen as the catalyst, which is what distinguishes HVO from biodiesel. This makes it a more clean-burning, environmentally-friendly renewable diesel alternative, without the short shelf life of regular biodiesel. With up to 90% fewer emissions than its predecessor, HVO is a drop-in replacement for most fuels. HVO is the easiest solution to reducing your carbon footprint, and may only cost approximately £500 to install the correct parts to run the fuel.

Air Source Heat Pumps

Air source heat pumps (ASHP) work by transferring heat absorbed from the outside air to an indoor space such as your home via the wet central heating systems to heat radiators and provide hot water. Heat pumps work similarly to a refrigerator; they take heat from outside and transfer it to another medium. ASHP’s have an average installation cost of £7,000-£11,000.

Ground Source Heat Pumps

Ideal for properties with a large garden that gets plenty of suns, a ground source heat pump uses the heat from the ground to warm your home and water. Pipework is laid underground and using a mixture of water and anti-freeze the pipes absorb the naturally occurring heat stored in the ground. The heated water then goes into the heat exchanger and is eventually dispersed into your full heating system. GHSP’s can cost anything between £14,000 – £19,000

Solar Thermal Panels

Solar Thermal Panels, similar to solar PV panels, use the suns energy to emit heat into your home. using the same technology as the more compact air source heat pump, the solar thermal panel uses a mix of anti-freeze and water and condenses the energy to provide free, efficient heating. Solar thermal panels are slightly cheaper than the heat pumps coming in at approximately £3000-£6000 depending on the size of panels that are needed.

Solar PV Panels

Solar PV panels use the same method as the solar thermal panels to absorb the suns energy and convert it into electricity. Solar PV panels can also function in cloudy conditions which are perfect for typical British weather. Solar PV panels are more expensive, priced between £5000-£8000.

Our trade association, UKIFDA, have joined forces with OFTEC to launch a campaign for the use of HVO in domestic boilers. With successful trials already happening in the UK UKIFDA are calling for the government to significantly reduce the cost of HVO making it more affordable for domestic use. For more information visit their website here

James D Bilsland Ltd is partaking in the first trials of using HVO renewable fuels as an alternative to home heating oil in Scotland as part of the future fuels trial. For more information on the trials click here