Fuel Oil News March 2019 | Page 7

News Discussing a pathway forward R esponding to the first draft of Ireland’s National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers (FPS) has not only written to Richard Bruton, Irish minister for communications, climate action and the environment, but also requested a meeting. Nick Hayes, FPS Ireland representative “Our members play an important role in the Irish economy,” said FPS Ireland representative Nick Hayes who highlighted that several demonstration projects for renewable liquid fuels, which are already in place across Europe, have achieved substantial levels of emissions reduction. Welcomed by government, a working group has already been set up in the UK to provide information and ideas as to action the government can take to meet carbon reduction targets in off gas grid buildings. “We are not trying to protect the heating oil industry at all costs,” said FPS CEO Guy Pulham. “We recognise and support the Irish government’s work to meet carbon reduction targets but our members believe that a liquid fuel should have a major role in meeting the future needs of off grid homes. There is ample supply, an effective distribution network and low-cost installation requirements to use oil for heating and cooking. These are excellent benefits which could be retained using a bio or carbon neutral liquid fuel.” The FPS believes the government should look at a tiered approach to achieving the 2050 carbon reduction target, setting a pathway of home heating carbon emission reductions. That way industry can adapt all aspects of technological innovation, thereby providing the means for consumers to make cost competitive choices in meeting those targets. A change to the standard specifications of the fuel would also give industry time to implement innovative solutions. “Such a pathway would also give consumers the opportunity to make short term efficiencies such as replacing old oil boilers now and adding smart meters to tanks and installing better insulation in their homes,” added Guy. Open for business P roud of their brand-new workshop facility, Road Tankers Armagh would like to invite everyone in the industry to pay a visit to their new premises at the Armagh Business Park. In order to achieve the level of expertise needed to produce today’s high-tech tankers, this Irish tanker manufacturer has made a significant investment in its future. In addition to individually designing each new tanker to meet customer requirements, the company also carries out re-mounts, upgrades and running repairs/servicing work with a large stockholding of OM spare parts ready for immediate dispatch from the company’s new parts department. Well-known in the tanker industry Mark Skelton joined Trevor Wilson at Road Tankers Armagh as general manager last September. Road Tanker Armagh’s new premises provide 50,000 square feet of space The tanker of the year 2019 title is waiting to be claimed! Enter by 31 October 2019. More Irish news on page 16 Fuel Oil News | March 2019 7