The plan was outlined by Mr Gregory at the association’s annual general meeting and conference held in London in the summer, and forms a key part of the strategy to move households in rural areas towards renewable technologies.
Demonstrating the efficiency of oil-fired heating
With the European Commission focusing on electricity as the way forward, Mr Gregory said it was up to OFTEC to demonstrate the efficiency of oil-fired heating to both UK and European governments. Part of that strategy will include highlighting the limitations of competing technologies.
In his presentation, he said that 2012 represented some of the most challenging trading conditions that the industry had ever experienced.
Victories for the UK heating industry
OFTEC members also listened to a presentation from Sabine Heyman, director of Eurofuel, who outlined the complexity of lobbying and decision making at European level. By working with Eurofuel, OFTEC has won several victories for the UK heating industry, including concessions on NOx levels and modulating burners.
Colin Sutherland, founder of OFTEC, also attended the conference to help celebrate the organisation’s 21st birthday. He spoke about the many challenges the industry had faced, and outlined the successes and achievements for oil heating and cooking in the UK and Ireland.
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