www.heatingandventilating.net
ALTERNATIVE FUELS
Enabling alternative fuel solutions for off-grid properties
As Navien UK approaches its 10th anniversary, its technical director Sean Keleher reflects on the part that the boiler and heating appliances manufacturer is playing in fuelling a greener future and exploring the steps it is taking to reduce the impact of traditionally fuelled appliances
I
n September 2023, the Government’s much anticipated Energy Bill received concerns from rural MPs on the basis that it is unfair to expect
anyone living in an off-grid property to replace their boiler with a heat pump by 2026, given that heat pumps are around four times more expensive than a boiler. Due to these concerns, the Government is currently working on an amendment which will require the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero to deliver a consultation on a renewable liquid heating fuel obligation within 12 months of the Bill receiving Royal Assent. Although there is a consensus in the UK for
the drive towards cutting emissions and tackling climate change, people continue to suffer from the cost-of-living crisis. The Energy Bill must enable the use of renewable liquid fuels, as well as introduce measures to explore reducing their cost and making them more accessible – both broadly and among off-grid homes. This effective transition to cleaner energy will ensure that rural off-grid communities are not left with an expensive cost burden as we transition to net zero.
A cleaner burn of fuel
Rather than yellow flame, Navien only uses blue flame technology to produce a cleaner and more efficient burn of fuel that delivers superior efficiency and ultra-low NOx emissions. The LCB700 Blue Flame range of oil boilers are among the first in the UK market to offer an A+ energy rating and produce low levels of carbon monoxide (CO) and NOx. A blue flame is produced
by an oil boiler where the combustion gases within the blue flame burner recirculate. This recirculation process burns off high concentrations of NOx emissions, giving low NOx, better fuel consumption and a soot-free blue flame. A yellow flame, on the other hand, is cooler and produces more soot and CO. Navien only distributes
blue flame oil boilers in the UK market, providing consumers with an existing, superior technology without the premium price tag. The LCB700 Blue Flame range is available as either a regular, system or combi boiler in both internal and external models, is designed with stainless steel heat exchangers for optimum durability and efficiency and is Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) compatible.
Embracing HVO
Many people are still reliant on oil-fired boilers – especially those in rural areas – but it is vital for manufacturers and industry groups to join and embrace HVO as a more environmentally friendly fuel. HVO is a fossil-free fuel, a sustainably produced, renewable paraffin that comes from used cooking oil and vegetable oil processing waste. Converting properties from the use of heating oil to HVO is a simple process and much cheaper than the cost of installing a brand-new, low-carbon heating system. The amendment to the Energy
Bill allows for the introduction of a Renewable Liquid Heating Fuel Obligation, setting annual obligations on fuel suppliers to ensure the supply of recognised low-carbon renewable liquid fuels for domestic and commercial heating. This scheme would mirror the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligations Order
(2007) and would offer off-gas-grid properties the option to switch to renewable liquid fuels. Committed to the UK’s Net Zero targets, reducing
carbon emissions, and lowering NOx levels, Navien’s LCB700 Blue Flame range is fully HVO compatible, and this year, the manufacturer is also planning to develop an HVO model that reduces carbon emissions. As well as diversifying its product range, the company is working with the Oil Fired Technical Association (OFTEC) to encourage the Government to lower the tax implication for HVO to help contribute to a cleaner environment.
Futureproofing
With a rapidly growing eco-conscious market, it is crucial for manufacturers to start diversifying their product offerings to keep up with changing demands, and changes to the industry, as the Government strives for Net Zero. While we recognise and fulfil our responsibility as a boiler and heating appliances manufacturer to ensure that our solutions have the lowest emissions and highest efficiencies, Navien also strives to design future-proof technology that can make the lives of customers easier and more comfortable. As the middle point between manufacturers and
homeowners, installers also have a responsibility to make the changes happening in the industry seamless for all – and most importantly for themselves. In an already competitive market, installers need to take the opportunity to upskill and understand renewable technologies to future-proof their business.
www.heatingandventilating.net January 2017 DOWNLOAD THE HVR APP NOW
January 2024
27
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36
