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Username
Tom Butcher
Proposer First Name
Thomas
Proposer Email
tbutcher@noraweb.org
Proposer Last Name
Butcher
Proposer Company/Organization
National Oilheat Research Alliance
Proposer Phone
(571) 234-7756
Proposer Job Title
Research Director
Proposer Additional Info
T. Butcher is also involved with energy R&D at Brookhaven National Laboratory
Proposed Session Description
Approximately 25 percent of housing in Massachusetts is heated with oil and nearly one half by natural gas. This session focuses on what can be done to rapidly decrease carbon emssions from the heating sector at low cost with a focus on the current liquid fuels market. This market is now adopting biodiesel as a low carbon, renewable fuel. For the longer-term, hydrogenated vegetable oil and wood-based biofuels are in the development stage. In parallel, the development and deployment of higher efficiency equipment are underway. This session will discuss the sources, processing, properties, and current production aspects of biodiesel. Biodiesel blends at 20% (B20) are now commonly used. Large-scale use of B50 has started. In the range of 125 homes have converted to 100% biodiesel and this is expanding. The impact changing biodiesel blend level on existing system combustion performance will be discussed in addition to large scale field experience. Upgrades to heating systems with documented savings in the 20-25% range are also an important part of reducing GHG emissions and will be discussed.
Diversity and Inclusiveness
This low cost decarbonization approach impacts a broad range of the population but may be most significant for lower income areas for which the cost of electrification could be a significant burden
Learning Objectives
1. Attendees will be able to explain the types of biofuels, their market status, and their properties.
2. Attendees will understand the impact that changing from fossil heating oil to biofuels will have on heating systems.
3. Attendees will be able to explain the achievable energy efficiency gains associated with system upgrades and the technical system featurs that most contribute to achieved fuel use reduction.
4. Attendees will be able to discuss biofuels as an approach to reducing GHG emissions.
Has this session been presented before?
No
Session Format
Presentation followed by facilitated discussion or breakout groups
Session Format Details
Three informal presentations with continuous opportunity for questions and discussion

Strongest Content Connection - Boston 2022

Reviewer 1
Rosenbaum, Marc
Proposal #
150
Committee Decision
Rejected
Full Description
Reducing GHG emissions in the heating sector with biofuels is near-zero cost step that can be taken with strong, near-term impact. This provides an alternate pathway for achieving regional goals without large capital investments in homes.