Scott Energy and the heating and oil industry in Massachusetts have committed to partner with energy officials and policy makers to work towards the common goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050 to reduce the impact of global warming and improve air quality. While the push for cleaner, greener energy continues across the globe, it is important to know that there are efficient, and cost-effective renewable liquid fuel options already on the market in the heating fuel industry.
Scientists and researchers with the National Oilheat Research Alliance and the National Biodiesel Board have spent years formulating a fuel that utilizes renewable and recycled materials such as soybean oil and used cooking oils. It is called Bioheat®. This liquid renewable heating fuel is a blend of renewable biodiesel and ultra-low-sulfur heating oil (ULSHO). This fuel is a major part of our plan at Scott Energy to combat the effects of climate change today, rather than in ten or even twenty years from now.
Not only does this Bioheat produce fewer emissions than traditional home heating oil, but it also keeps your equipment running smoothly and works to support the economy by utilizing domestic products. Bioheat is a drop-in, turn-key fuel that is currently being delivered in Massachusetts at blends ranging from 10% to 50%. It requires no heating system modifications and can be as economical as traditional heating oil.
Many of our state and federal lawmakers have aspirational goals of producing all our electricity from renewable sources such as wind, solar and hydro power, and hence want to electrify all homes, businesses, and vehicles. They identify electrification as the one and only solution to climate change, but that is not necessarily true.
“Electric-powered systems like air and ground source heat pumps are expensive to install, are typically used as a secondary heating source and do not operate well during harsh New England winters,” according to Michael Ferrante, President of the Massachusetts Energy Marketers Association. “Removing clean, renewable Bioheat from the energy mix in favor of electrification is unwise because our current electric grid simply cannot support additional demand,” he said.
It is important to keep our priorities straight and remember that we are all on the same team with a shared goal of a cleaner, safer planet for our grandkids to enjoy. Our industry has committed to increasing our Bioheat® blend to 50% by 2030 and reaching net zero emissions by 2050. Businesses like ours work with customers like you every day, and we hear your concerns. We need to focus on creating a reliable grid that uses electricity produced by clean power sources like wind, solar and earth-friendly fuels like Bioheat®. But until then, the technology to heat your home without any additional expenditures or risks – to your wallet or our planet – is already here. We’re offering Bioheat Plus® to our home heating fuel customers at no additional cost, and you can be sure that we’ll be on the forefront of the next technological breakthrough, too.