The Oil Firing Technical Association (OFTEC) says trials for a new biofuel for heating have been successful.

The Oil Firing Technical Association (OFTEC) says trials for a new biofuel for heating have been successful.

Trials were conducted over a 12-month period by OFTEC with the Low Carbon Innovation Centre, the University of East Anglia, ICOM Energy Association and industry partners.

Tested fuels blend 30% FAME with 70% kerosene – or B30K – and have been accepted by government as eligible for the proposed Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).

OFTEC says if this is introduced, households converting to the fuel "will receive a substantial annual payment".

B30K has a carbon emission factor of which is 28% less than kerosene's and is similar to mains gas, says the OFTEC.

Director general, Jeremy Hawksley, believes that if 1.1 million UK homes switch to B30K fuel by 2020, CO2 savings in the UK could be 1.083 million tonnes a year.

Hawksley added of the tests: "We have not experienced any oil storage issues, despite periods of extreme weather. Even at lows of -5ºC, the converted boilers showed reliability and consistent performance."