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August 2023 update: The Future Ready Fuel campaign has reached a crucial stage. The government’s Energy Bill is moving through Parliament and will set out how homes like yours will transition to greener heating systems in the years to come.  Read our news story for the latest information >

As a full member of the UKIFDA and OFTEC trade bodies, Watson Fuels is working closely with both organisations on the Future Ready Fuel campaign. Our shared goal is to find a low-carbon liquid fuel replacement for kerosene.

For over 50 years, heating oil (kerosene) has been a popular choice for homes off the gas grid. Today, around 1.5 million UK households use heating oil as their primary source of fuel for heating.

As part of wider plans to tackle climate change and meet the UK’s net-zero target, the Government has pledged to prioritise converting off-grid homes to low-carbon heating during the 2020s. In support of this, we’re proud to be part of the UKIFDA and OFTEC Future Ready Fuel campaign, trialling a promising new renewable liquid fuel called HVO with selected Watson Fuels customers, and at one of our depots.

HVO - a practical, green alternative to heating oil for rural homes

The challenge of decarbonising off-grid homes

There are already several alternative heat technologies†that generate lower greenhouse gas emissions than heating oil. But installing them is expensive and often requires extensive changes to properties. For homes off the gas grid – which vary in age, design, and construction and often have period features – switching to these low-carbon technologies can be impractical. The Future Ready Fuel campaign is searching for a more suitable alternative.

As a full member of the UKIFDA and OFTEC trade bodies, Watson Fuels is working closely with both organisations on the Future Ready Fuel campaign. Our shared goal is to find a low-carbon liquid fuel that will act as a drop-in replacement for kerosene. We believe this option would be the least costly and least disruptive solution for homeowners who currently use heating oil. In most cases, they’d be able to cut emissions without changing their existing heating systems.

Find out about Carbon Offset Fuel

Support the Future Ready Fuel Campaign

How you can get involved

We’re encouraging all customers to support the Future Ready Fuel campaign to help us move trials and the Government approval process forward. You can get involved in three main ways:

1. Register your interest

If you’re keen to hear more about the progress of the Future Ready Fuel campaign or would be willing to take part in a trial, you can sign up to receive updates.

Get involved through the Future Ready Fuel website†

2. Take part in the Future Ready Fuel survey

UKIFDA and OFTEC are running a survey to gauge how many households are interested in switching to HVO. You can complete the short Future Ready Fuel survey online.

Visit the Future Ready Fuel website† to take part

3. Write to your MP

If you want to support the drive to low carbon heating but worry about the cost and lack of choice, you can write to or email your local MP. By explaining your concerns about the government’s current plans and highlighting you interest in affordable green heating solutions such as HVO, you can help us get renewable liquid fuels supported as part of future policy.

Templates are available on the Future Ready Fuel website†

Get involved on the Future Ready Fuel website

Carbon offsetting

Other sustainable options

If you’d like to explore other ways to reduce your overall carbon emissions, our Carbon Offset Fuel is a straightforward and effective place to start. You won’t need to use a different fuel. Simply select our Carbon Offset Fuel option when you top up to contribute to projects that help to counteract your fuel’s emissions.

About Carbon Offset Fuel

*Based on UK Government 2021 GHG conversion factors for scope 1 emissions.

† Watson Fuels is not responsible for content on any other websites linked to from this site - the inclusion of any such links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them. We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites and you view them strictly at your own risk.