Federation of Petroleum Suppliers ‘cleans up’ with future focus on biofuels

UK and Ireland liquid fuels distribution trade association the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers (FPS) has unveiled its future vision for cutting carbon through the development of biofuels.

With a focus on clean growth and decarbonisation, the new vision was announced during its annual exhibition FPS EXPO 2019, which took place in Liverpool, UK.

The association also voted and agreed upon a new name: the UK and Ireland Fuels Distributors Association (UKIFDA) during its annual general meeting.

“As the trade association for the liquid fuels distribution industry, we’ve always supported the principle of decarbonisation, clean growth and clear air,” said CEO Guy Pulham. “Now we have officially set out in our Clean Growth Future Vision brochure all we aim to achieve in both the near and far future and highlighted the opportunities for the industry as a whole.

“Our members have always been committed to improving energy efficiency and will continue to contribute to the long-term decarbonisation targets of the government.

“Liquid fuels are developing all the time and have come a long way in terms of efficiency and reduced carbon emissions. Our members are best positioned to help consumers through the transition phase as new fuels start to come to market.”

In the UK and Ireland, over 2 million homes currently rely on liquid fuels for heating.

“All the trials on FAME blend kerosene carried out in recent years are extremely positive and more trials are planned,” continued Pulham. “We strongly urge government to encourage and support trials of new liquid fuels as there are strong signs that these can very much be part of the solution, especially as many of the mixes would work well with consumers’ existing heating systems.”

Instead of viewing electrification as the only option, the FPS is encouraging the UK Government to be technology neutral, with biofuels included as part of the future energy mix.

“Short term, consumers need to be encouraged to make energy efficiency changes, such as infrastructure improvements on their homes including smart metering and insulation, to reduce carbon emissions immediately,” Pulham added. “Technology is key, and we will continue to work alongside our European trade association partners and stay abreast of emerging technologies and products.

“Long term, we intend to work with all relevant bodies as well as consumer groups to help ensure different solutions can be found for different homes and budgets. We will also take part in the independent testing of low-carbon fuels and work with all in the supply chain to drastically cut the fossil content in liquid fuels to zero ahead of the deadline set by the Paris Agreement.”

He concluded: “Low carbon liquid fuels can and should play a part in the decarbonised future.”