Written question WQ90989

There are several significant barriers to the use of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) as a fuel source. There is an insufficient supply of waste oil in the UK to make this a viable solution on a large scale, and there is competition from the transport sector for existing supplies. Therefore, we would be reliant on imported HVO, which would be subject to changing global costs, as well as contribute to climate change through its transportation. There are also technical challenges with burning HVO, as it requires a specialized boiler and ancillary equipment which would have to be housed in a separate structure due to the odour created.

Many of the issues with the domestic use of HVO are explained in this report by NNFCC.

We set out our approach to decarbonising heat across Wales in our Heat Strategy Consultation. We will publish our consultation response later in the Spring.