About 4.6 million oil-fired heating systems were still in operation in Germany in 2020, according to a survey by the German Federal Association of Chimney Sweepers. The number is decreasing steadily, but slowly. Most of them will continue to be in use for quite a time to come. In order to be able to achieve the national and international climate objectives, climate-friendly alternatives to fossil fuel oil are required for these systems. Synthetically produced, paraffinic fuels are likely to play a central role in the future. As one of the leading component manufacturers of heating and tank systems, AFRISO is leading the way to progress: A large number of the products are not only suitable for biofuels, but now also bear the newly created label “Green Fuels Ready” of the Federal Association of the German Heating Industry (BDH).

On the occasion of the „ISH digital 2021“, the Institute for Heat and Mobility (IWO) e.V. stated that almost three million of the existing oil-fired heating systems will not be able to be converted – for a variety of reasons: buildings are far away from gas and heat networks, or insufficient energy efficiency, or monument protection. The objective is, therefore, to increasingly respond to the remaining fuel oil demand with alternative fuels in order to completely replace fossil fuel oil in the near future. It is often much more sustainable to upgrade existing technology to climate neutrality and to achieve maximum operation time, instead of renewing the technology completely – and prematurely.

The new synthetic fuels of the future

Green fuels that are obtained using renewable energies are indispensable if Germany wants to achieve the ambitious objective of climate neutrality by 2045. They make it possible to use condensing technology with fuel oil systems to achieve a more favourable CO2 footprint. Green fuels are synthetic fuels generated from renewable electricity and a carbon source such as biomass or the ambient air. These fuels can be completely greenhouse gas neutral, since just as much CO2 is bound during production as is produced later on during combustion. Green fuels, such as the paraffinic fuel HVO (Hydrated Vegetable Oil), are to be distinguished from the biofuels with FAME admixture (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester, esterified vegetable oil). With its portfolio, AFRISO is well prepared for all future requirements, as repeatedly underpinned by extensive internal test series, external certifications and participation in various European pilot projects. 

Function reliability with official label

Both specialised companies that install the technology and end users can rest assured: the AFRISO components marked with the appropriate labels are suitable for operation with alternative fuels. This guarantees full functional reliability, even if you switch to a climate-friendly fuel in the future. This is attested by the new “Green Fuels Ready” label – and AFRISO is one of the first component suppliers to mark many of its products with this label. Another benefit: within the framework of the most recent series of tests, an increased compatibility with biofuel and biodiesel containing FAME was also confirmed. All AFRISO components are suitable for admixtures from 30 percent to up to 100 percent in some cases.

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E-fuels are based on power-to-liquid paths with which liquid fuels are produced using renewable electrical energy. Graphic: UNITI

Quality made in Germany

As a component manufacturer with one of the most comprehensive ranges on the market, AFRISO can offer future-safe equipment. This applies to the proven and popular automatic fuel oil de-aerators of the FloCo-Top series as well as to withdrawal systems, mechanical level indicators, digital tank contents indicators, hydrostatic level indicators, level sensors, valves, filters, filling fittings and testers. The respective markings have already been updated in the latest edition of the PDF product catalogue, in application texts and on the corporate website. Users benefit from the well-known advantages of the range anyway: The proverbial high AFRISO quality is just as important as the extensive production in Germany, which ensures short transport routes and high availability, as well as the close cooperation with heating system and tank manufacturers for maximum functionality and operational reliability.