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Eurofuel at the Eastern Energy Expo: exploring the future of liquid fuels

In May 2026, Eurofuel President Moritz Bellingen participated in the keynote panel discussion, “The Opportunities and Challenges Between Liquid Fuels & Electric Heat Pumps,” at the Eastern Energy Expo (EEE) in the United States, following an invitation from Eurofuel member NORA (National Oilheat Research Alliance). 

As the heating industry continues its transition toward lower-carbon solutions, renewable liquid fuels and electric heat pumps are playing increasingly important roles. The session explored the strengths, limitations, and real-world applications of each technology, including energy efficiency, cold-climate performance, infrastructure needs, installation costs, consumer preferences, and environmental impacts. 

Moritz highlighted the diversity of Europe's heating landscape, with approximately 200 million heating systems in operation, including 28 million heat pumps and 17 million oil-fired systems. Germany reflects this diversity, with nearly 5 million homes still relying on liquid fuels for heating, particularly in rural areas where alternatives can be more challenging to deploy. 

A key part of the presentation focused on Europe’s changing regulatory framework. Moritz explained that the ongoing revision of the Ecodesign Directive will introduce stricter requirements for heating appliances, while Germany’s forthcoming Building Modernization Act will gradually increase renewable fuel requirements for new liquid-fuel heating systems. 

While these measures present challenges for the sector, they also provide a clear pathway for the future. By creating demand for renewable liquid fuels, policymakers are encouraging investment and innovation while demonstrating that liquid-fuel heating can contribute to climate objectives. 

Returning to the theme of the session, Moritz highlighted the potential of hybrid heating systems that combine heat pumps with liquid-fuel boilers. "Hybrid systems offer a practical pathway for decarbonisation,"  Moritz said. They combine the strengths of both technologies and can play an important role in ensuring energy security while supporting climate objectives." 

EEE is the Northeast United States’ largest gathering for professionals involved in heating, cooling, and energy distribution. The event provides a venue for industry stakeholders to exchange information, discuss market and regulatory developments, review new technologies, and participate in technical and business education programs. It also features a large trade show with exhibits from equipment manufacturers, fuel suppliers, technology providers, wholesalers, and service companies, allowing attendees to see new products and solutions firsthand. 

EEE offered a valuable opportunity for dialogue between European and American stakeholders facing similar challenges in the transition to lower-carbon heating. Eurofuel thanks NORA and EEE for the invitation and looks forward to continuing cooperation on practical solutions that combine innovation, sustainability, and energy security.