Heat
Fossil Fuel Heating Used in Northern Ireland
Unlike many other parts of the UK, a significant proportion of homes and businesses in Northern Ireland are not connected to the natural gas grid. As a result, many properties use alternative fossil fuels to heat rooms and water. These include:
- Heating Oil - The most common fuel in Northern Ireland, used by over two-thirds of households and particularly in rural areas. Typically stored in tanks and used with liquid-fuel-fired boilers.
- Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) – Typically used in areas not covered by the mains gas network for heating, cooking and hot water in some domestic and commercial buildings. Usually stored in tanks and used with gas-fired boilers.
- Coal - Still used in a number of homes either as a primary heating fuel or in open fires and stoves for secondary heating (particularly during colder weather).
Why We’re Moving Away from Fossil Fuels
Reducing reliance on fossil fuels is essential to achieving Northern Ireland’s target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Traditional heating fuels such as oil, coal and gas (whether mains gas or LPG) are among the highest sources of carbon emissions in the energy system. They also expose consumers to volatile global energy prices. As we move towards our vision of net-zero carbon and affordable energy our reliance on more polluting imported fossil fuels such as oil, coal and solid fuels will decrease. Transitioning to low carbon heating will:
- Cut greenhouse gas emissions
- Improve energy security
- Support cleaner air and public health
- Reduce long term energy costs and provide greater price stability for consumers
Cleaner (Renewable) Low Carbon Heating Options
There are a range of alternatives that can replace fossil fuels, suited to different building types and user needs. Some of the options that are currently available include:
- Heat Pumps – Air-source and ground-source heat pumps use electricity, are highly energy-efficient and can significantly reduce carbon emissions. They extract heat from the ambient air, ground, or water, and then use it for heating and hot water.
- Electric Heating - This includes direct electric heaters and storage heaters (which are used more widely in social housing and apartments).
- Biomass Heating - Uses renewable organic materials such as wood pellets or chips. Can be suitable for larger homes or public buildings. When sourced sustainably, biomass is considered carbon-neutral since the carbon dioxide released during combustion is offset by the carbon absorbed during the growth of new biomass.
- Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) - A renewable liquid fuel that can be used in modified home-heating-oil boilers with minimal disruption. HVO liquid fuel is derived from renewable organic sources such as plant materials, agricultural residues and other waste.
- BioLPG - A renewable version of LPG that is compatible with existing LPG heating systems.
Each option varies in terms of cost, suitability and availability. We are working to ensure that clean heating choices are practical and accessible in all parts of Northern Ireland.
Policy Development and Consultations
The Department's approach is being shaped by research, public consultation and engagement across government and with households, industry, energy experts and consumer advocate bodies. Current policy areas being developed include:
- A recent public consultation on support for low-carbon heat which sought views on how government could help households and businesses transition from fossil fuel heating to cleaner alternatives. You can view the consultation at Support for low carbon heat in the residential sector and the subsequent report at Government Response to Support for low carbon heat in the residential sector Consultation.
- A recent public call for evidence on biofuels (HVO and BioLPG) and assessing their role in decarbonising heating. You can view the consultation at Using Biofuels to Transition Away from Fossil Fuels for Heating and the subsequent report at Using Biofuels to Transition Away from Fossil Fuels for Heating - Departmental Response Report.
- Working across government departments to support clean air policy, energy efficiency, and building regulations and planning goals.
The Department is also closely monitoring developments in the wider UK and Irish jurisdictions, including evolving support schemes, regulatory changes, and market readiness for low and zero-carbon technologies. This helps ensure that Northern Ireland’s policy approach remains coherent, evidence-based and responsive to change.