Launch of the Green Fuels Ready label
A further guarantee for the sector
BDH, the German Heating Equipment Association, is launching the 'Green Fuels Ready' label in cooperation with en2x, the German Association of Fuels and Energy. The label indicates the compatibility of boilers, tanks and components with the new low-carbon liquid fuels. Dr Ernst-Moritz Bellingen, Director of en2x and President of Eurofuel, explains.
What is this new label?
Ernst-Moritz Bellingen: "Every manufacturer can use the Green Fuels Ready label on their boilers, tanks and other components of a heating system to show their technical suitability for low carbon liquid fuels. This can be done purely or in a mixture with conventional fuel oil. The use of the label does not require approval by a supervisory authority, but is the responsibility of the manufacturer and can be verified by the information contained in the approval or instructions for use. This means that in Germany, equipment with the "Green Fuels Ready" label meets the DIN 51603 part 1, 6 or8 standard, which now includes esterified fuels such as FAME, as well as paraffinic fuels such as HVO.
Why a new label?
Ernst-Moritz Bellingen: "We are aware that the fossil fuel market is under pressure to meet climate targets. This label draws attention to the fact that we already have the technology to heat without carbon emissions. In Germany, discussions are currently underway to increase the share of green energy in every heating system to 65%. When you consider that only 10% of Germany's 2,514TWh of annual energy consumption comes from renewables, only a multi-energy scenario can be envisaged to reach our goal of carbon neutrality by 2045.
Does carbon neutrality require Green Fuels?
Ernst-Moritz Bellingen: "En2x is convinced of this. Until now, heating systems have been judged mainly on their efficiency, but now the emissions are under the microscope. The new condensing boilers are already very efficient and can be combined with renewable energy. So now it is a question of changing the fuel. Green Fuels have serious advantages here: no need to replace the entire system, good storage capacities, changeover possible in a single delivery, already existing distribution network. In addition, they are free of a network that is often expensive to maintain and does not serve the whole country.
How was the label developed?
Ernst-Moritz Bellingen: "It all started with discussions with our members. We mapped out what they needed in order to develop equipment compatible with low-carbon liquid fuels. These were then extensively tested in the laboratory and in the field, mixed with conventional fuel oil or in their pure form. More recently, the release of the new standard for heating with paraffinic liquid fuels has provided a framework for their use. All this allows us to offer products that are guaranteed to work with the new liquid fuels. Some companies even offer kits to adapt existing heating systems to the use of low-carbon liquid fuels. I'm thinking in particular of adapting the photodiode to safely see the transparent flame when using green fuels.
Can it be used outside Germany?
Ernst-Moritz Bellingen: "Of course. The label currently corresponds to German standards, but can be adapted to the standards of another country.
However, not all countries have standards for paraffinic fuels yet. We do not see this as a major problem, as the German standards are often the standard for manufacturers. Some major German boiler manufacturers already presented a boiler designed for the French market that will have to use a 30% FAME blend from 1 July.
Several other countries are working on a similar initiative, like in Finland.
Is the label also a strong signal to the consumer?
Ernst-Moritz Bellingen: "Absolutely. A (new) heating system is a major investment for a household. With the Green Fuels Ready label, we assure them that their equipment is future-proof and can be used with low-carbon liquid fuels. I often compare this to HDTVs. These were available before the majority of entertainment was shot in HD. We tell them we are ready for the future."
19 May 2022
