News
Could synthetic fuels
be available in the
next decade? UPEI calls on European
governments to be
technology neutral
arbon-neutral fuels can be made with synthetic
hydrocarbons produced by chemical reactions
between carbon dioxide, captured from power plants or
the air, and hydrogen, created by the electrolysis of water using
renewable energy.
According to Stephan Kunter, managing director and CEO of
the Elaflex group who spoke at the APEA conference in November
‘synthetic fuels could make a major contribution to reducing
carbon emissions from transport without making changes to
infrastructure or vehicles’.
A method of extracting CO2 directly from the air is being
pioneered by Carbon Engineering in Canada, backed by private
investors, including Chevron (see page 21) and government
agencies.
Only slightly more expensive than fossil fuels, the direct air
capture system can remove a tonne of CO2 from the air for about
$100, with one plant able to capture about a million tonnes of CO2
per year.
The question is will electrification deter support? epresenting Europe’s independent fuel suppliers, UPEI is in a unique
position to offer perspectives to the EU long-term strategy and
contribute to the ongoing decarbonisation consultation process.
UPEI members are fully committed to providing flexible, affordable and
clean energy to the consumer, to meet Europe’s short and long-term climate
objectives.
Published last year, the UPEI 2050 vision promotes the use of alternative
fuels and the improvement of energy efficiency to reduce emissions
immediately, while developing carbon neutral fuels to suit all needs and
applications in the longer term.
Significant cost savings will result from using the existing infrastructure
to store, move and distribute energy products. The deployment of low and
carbon neutral fuels in liquid and gaseous forms can therefore happen
immediately, making the most of existing assets. Moreover, independent fuel
suppliers are already active and investing into developing the distribution of a
greater variety of fuels and energies to satisfy evolving consumer demands.
To make this vision a reality, policy enablers are needed. UPEI calls
upon governments to adopt a technology neutral approach to the energy
transition; ensure a stable policy framework, favourable to investments; define
long-term targets rather than market bans; consider social acceptance and
affordability; and support innovation in low carbon fuels.
upei.org/upei-2050-vision
C
Boiler longevity
R
F
uel Oil News was delighted to read about an oil boiler which
has been supplying heat to a Devon home for almost 50
years – and even more interested to find out which fuel
distributor(s) have kept this English-made Hotspur boiler topped up
for so long!
Testament to the reliability of oil-fired boilers, the owners had
apparently ‘never experienced any problems’ which may be due to
the fact that the same man had serviced the boiler every year!
It remains to be seen if the newly installed boiler can live up to
its predecessor…
Greenergy release
I
n May this year, the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) announced
it was investigating certain aspects of biodiesel trading at
Greenergy and various third parties as part of a broader
investigation. The SFO has informed the company and our
employees that they are no longer suspects in an ongoing
investigation.
“We are pleased that both the company and our employees
have now been released from the investigation. We would like to
thank our staff for their professionalism and dedication during this
time.
“Our success as a business has been built upon our values of
integrity, honesty, openness and respect, and these values will
continue to guide us.”
Fuel Oil News | January 2020 7