Associations
NEFI Targets 50% Reduction in Carbon
Emissions with Renewables
NEFI will henceforth refer
to the heating oil industry as
the “renewable liquid heating
fuels industry”
The New England Fuel Institute (NEFI) held its annual
board and member meeting on June 5. In response to
recent emissions-reduction policies and electrification
initiatives in the Northeast, NEFI unanimously
approved a resolution stating “NEFI will henceforth
refer to the heating oil industry as the ‘renewable liquid
heating fuels industry’ to better reflect its commitment
to a low-carbon and energy-independent American
economy, and in acknowledgement of the unparalleled
achievements of its members in this regard.”
The oilheating industry and other “fossil fuels”
industries face serious challenges as many
Northeastern States have called for drastic reductions
in carbon emissions in the next decade. While the plans
vary from state-to-state, the goal of a 40% reduction
by 2030 is common. Even higher reductions will be
required in
the following
decades.
None of the
current primary
heating or
transportation
fuels (heating
oil, natural gas,
propane, diesel
and gasoline) are capable of meeting those
targets. Replacing those fuels, according
to the various plans, will be accomplished
through electricity generated by renewable
sources.
NEFI’s resolution calls for “research,
development and deployment of advanced
biofuels, cellulosic feedstocks, and space
heating technologies necessary to achieve
a 50% reduction in fossil fuel-based carbon
emissions within the heating oil industry by
2030, and provide a net-zero carbon emissions
profile by 2050.”
The heating oil industry can substitute petroleum
oil with a low-carbon, renewable liquid fuel such as
biodiesel or renewable diesel. The oilheating industry
is also looking at additional potential replacement
fuels. This blending of renewable/low-carbon fuels into
heating oil, at high enough volumes could meet these
goals (50% biodiesel blend will reduce carbon emissions
by 40%).
For more info on the NEFI Resolution, “Renewing Our
Commitment to Renewable Liquid Heating Fuels,” visit
nefi.com
In more news from NEFI, the first HEAT Show will
be held September 15–18 at Rhode Island Convention
Center in Providence, RI. The show will have four days
of educational sessions and a two-day trade show.
The HEAT Show is a joint event, combining the NEFI
Energy Expo and the Southern New England Energy
Conference. The show is presented in partnership with
NEFI, Connecticut Energy Marketers Association,
New York Oil Heating Association, Vermont Fuel
Dealers Association, Massachusetts Energy Marketers
Association, Oil Heat Institute of Rhode Island,
Maine Energy Marketers Association and the Energy
Marketers Association of New Hampshire. Find out
more at: heatshow.com ICM
NEFI Chair Peter Aziz reads from NEFI’s historic resolution on renewable
liquid heating fuels. To his left are NEFI Vice President Jim Collura, President
Sean Cota and (seated) Massachusetts Energy Marketers Association President
Michael Ferrante.
ICM/July/August 2019 13