A new report on the HVO demonstration project highlights how off-grid homes and rural businesses can reduce carbon emissions without the high costs and disruption of switching to heat pumps. The full report was published by trade associations OFTEC and UKIFDA, following a three year initiative converting over 130 oil heated properties to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO).
Simple, low-cost conversions
The project converted 135 properties across the UK from homes to pubs, village halls and churches, by adapting existing kerosene boilers to run on 100% HVO. Conversions were completed during standard boiler service visits at a cost of under £500, with no need for insulation upgrades, heating system alterations or planning consultations.
The results were impressive: carbon emissions were cut by 88% with no drop in performance, and both domestic and commercial buildings successfully ran boilers ranging from 15kW to 100kW.
HVO: a viable alternative to heat pumps
While the government’s Heat and Buildings Strategy still encourage transitioning homes to heat pumps, many off-grid homes face prohibitive upfront costs for the required insulation, new radiators, piping and hot water systems. HVO offers a pragmatic alternative, delivering substantial carbon reductions without the expense and disruption.
Success stories
Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive. Residents report no difference in heating performance, with some noting longer lasting fuel supply and cleaner boilers. Rural businesses have also benefited: the Five Horseshoes Inn in Lincolnshire became one of the first carbon neutral rural pubs in the UK by switching to HVO, cutting emissions by 88% and planting trees to offset the remainder.
Looking ahead
OFTEC and UKIFDA are calling for a wider rollout of HVO, pointing to the demonstration project as proof that renewable liquid fuels are a cost effective, realistic solution for decarbonising off-grid homes and businesses. Legislation, including the Renewable Liquid Heating Fuel Obligation, could make HVO more accessible, while ongoing work aims to integrate HVO into Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) calculations and provide updated training for heating technicians.
For rural homes and businesses, HVO offers a practical, affordable path to reducing carbon emissions without the upheaval of full system replacements.
