NORA PLOTS FUTURE
The National Oilheat Research Alliance is charged by Congress with the “ development and demonstration of clean and efficient oilheat fuel utilization equipment , including research to develop renewable fuels .” With NORA ’ s recent reauthorization extending into 2029 , the Alliance needs to identify and address long and short-term areas of concern . Keeping these goals in mind , NORA hosted a Technical Review and Research Planning Workshop April 3-4 in Melville , N . Y .
Close to 60 industry members , including heating oil retailers , equipment manufacturers , association executives and NORA staff participated in the workshop , the Alliance reported in an email to the industry :
“ The first day focused on assessing the competitive environment for home heating . In particular , there was extended discussion on the increasing emphasis in states and regional organizations to dramatically reduce atmospheric carbon emissions . Most northeastern states have a plan and some already have been codified into law . Generally , the plans commit to reductions
of greenhouse gases of 50 % by 2030 and 80 % reductions by 2050 , some even call for 100 % reductions .
“ As a result , the response of the heating oil industry is critical . Many of the states and influencers believe that a conversion of oilheated buildings to heat pumps will be an easy transition to a low carbon economy with the assumption that growth of renewable energy from wind and solar generation will provide the power . However , it was noted that even with renewable generation growth , the electricity demand will continue to soar , bringing into question the capacity to accommodate new uses ( heating and automobiles ).
“ Additionally , technologies for heating with electricity ( cold climate heat pumps , heat pump boilers ) and water ( heat pump water heater ) may be inadequate to heat a home in northern climates or provide adequate hot water .
“ NORA believes that the oilheating industry can develop solutions that will surpass the competing fuels , can be done at low cost , and will continue to provide great comfort for our customers .
“ After a thorough discussion of electricity and presentations on new and emerging technologies , work groups were formed as a first step in providing guidance on what the research agenda should be for steering the oilheating industry into a low-carbon future .
“ Extended discussion and summaries ensued and the most important items were put forward . The participants were asked to choose the items in order of importance to the industry and as priorities for NORA .
“ The most important items for further research focused on the fuels the industry uses and will need to use in the future . The survey results showed the highest priority items
Roger Marran of Energy Kinetics addresses the group . Photo by Shane Sweet .
32 JUNE 2019 | FUEL OIL NEWS | www . fueloilnews . com