Biofuel, an alternative to domestic fuel oil, has been distributed gradually over the past few days

With the entry into force since July 1 of Decree No. 2022-8 relating to the environmental performance of heating or domestic hot water production equipment, the installation of equipment primarily using fuel emitting more than 300 g CO2eq/kWh LCV throughout its life cycle is no longer permitted.

Consequently, while traditional fuel oil can continue to be used by more than 3 million main residences using this storable energy, new installations will now operate with F30 biofuel, which meets the emission ceiling requirement of 300 g CO2eq/kWh PCI set by decree.

Subject to the publication of a ministerial decree authorizing its marketing, the distribution of F30 biofuel will begin in July in Alsace, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Ile-de-France. The first 200 distributors who will offer it will be identified on the website Biofuel.info from the publication of the ministerial decree. The distribution will continue gradually to cover the entire territory in the fall of 2022.

Concretely, since July 1:

• The installation of new boilers using liquid fuel[iii] is still authorized provided that F30 biofuel is used, the level of emissions of which throughout the life cycle is less than 300g CO2eq/kWh NCV. About fifteen equipment references are already available from the following manufacturers: ATLANTIC – CHAPPÉE – CUENOD – DE DIETRICH – OERTLI – PERGE – WEISHAUPT.
• Boilers currently in service and installed according to quotes signed until June 30, 2022 can continue to operate with traditional domestic fuel oil (limited to 7% renewable energy according to current specifications).

For Frédéric Plan, General Delegate of the FF3C: “The arrival of biofuel is an alternative to accelerating the end of traditional domestic fuel provided that its taxation makes it attractive. In fact, the boilers in service can be adapted to the use of biofuel, in particular on the occasion of a change of burner. It is up to the legislator to take the initiative. If the saving in consumption of a new boiler with high energy performance (from 25 to 30%) makes it possible to erase its additional cost, this is not the case for existing boilers whose longevity exceeds 25 years. »

Domestic fuel oil is the 3rd heating energy in France. It equips more than 3,5 million homes, including 3,1 million main residences, out of a total of 29,8 million, i.e. 12% of the stock, mainly in rural and peri-urban areas, whether heating networks or the city ​​gas often does not serve (sources Ceren and Ademe, 2017). In France, 25.000 municipalities are not connected to the gas networks, which represents, on the whole territory, 13,4 million French people, or 20% of the population (sources GRDF and Insee, 2018).