UKIFDA is the UK and Ireland’s largest trade association for fuel distributors, serving both the domestic heating oil and commercial fuel markets; its membership covers 80% of all fuel distributors in the UK. In 2020, UKIFDA commissioned Portland to produce a study into alternative heating fuel solutions on behalf of its members, in order to assess potential routes to net zero carbon emissions by 2050, in line with UK government targets.
Portland studied a wide selection of alternative fuel solutions in detail, comparing positive and negative attributes for each, and highlighting any potential limitations. This included a comparison for each solution against conventional liquid fuels i.e. diesel, covering carbon emissions, supply chain, availability of product, price of product, infrastructure, vehicle modification and training costs, and quality of performance.
Following this initial study, UKIFDA identified hydrotreated fats and acids (HEFA) as its preferred solution, commissioning Portland to conduct further research into its suitability. Over the course of a three-month study, Portland analysed the feasibility of HEFA fuels as a heating oil replacement, considering supply chains, carbon reduction and price, alongside the potential availability of product based on feedstock projections to 2040. Portland continues to support UKIFDA on its alternative fuels strategy on a retained basis, including regular research, analysis and cost modelling.
