€400 switch to biofuel heating can ease Ireland's climate woes

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A focus on converting boilers to eco-friendly HVO biofuel could pay quick dividends for Ireland as it bids to reduce GHG emissions by 2030. Picture: iStock

Burning eco-friendly biofuel HVO instead of kerosene and other fossil fuels in domestic boilers could cost home-owners less than €400 in switching costs and help Ireland reach its 2030 Climate Action plan goals.

Mark Doyle, general manager of advanced efficient boiler manufacturer Firebird, Co Cork, says there are currently around 700,000 liquid fuel-burning boilers in Irish homes. Burning biofuel HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) eliminates up to 90% of net CO2 and significantly reduces nitrogen oxide (NOx) and other emissions. With very low conversion costs, HVO is becoming increasingly popular globally.