EMA Journal • Fall 2025 • Oilheat Update

The first half of 2025 has been very busy for the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA). NORA continues to lead the transformation of the liquid heating fuels industry through a broad range of initiatives focused on technician training, renewable fuels research, consumer outreach and equipment innovation. As the liquid heating industry advances, NORA’s programs are helping to ensure that both the workforce and homeowners are prepared for a low-carbon future.

NORA, in partnership with Chevron, has launched an in-depth field study focused on the real-world performance of biodiesel and renewable diesel blends in a 142-site field study utilizing existing heating equipment. The goal of this study is to determine the possibility of utilizing 100 percent renewable liquid heating fuels. This initiative is part of NORA’s broader commitment to support the liquid heating industry’s transition to low-carbon, sustainable energy sources without sacrificing safety, efficiency, reliability or comfort.

The field study, currently underway across Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, is designed to assess homes heated by either 80 percent renewable diesel blended with 20 percent biodiesel (RD80/BD20), or 50 percent renewable diesel/50 percent biodiesel (RD50/BD50). The study examines the operational impacts of these renewable fuels on residential boilers and furnaces.

“NORA’s technical team is working with equipment manufacturers, wholesale fuel providers, and service companies to monitor system efficiency, emissions, component durability and long-term fuel stability,” said Dr. Thomas Butcher, NORA’s director of research. “The goal is to collect solid, objective data to help guide industry adoption of renewable fuels.”

This field study builds on previous lab research and pilot projects conducted by NORA, which have demonstrated that biodiesel and renewable fuels can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining compatibility with existing heating infrastructure.

“Real-world validation is critical as we work to decarbonize home heating,” said NORA President Michael Devine. “Our findings will help shape policy, guide product development, and ultimately support the industry’s path to net-zero carbon emissions.”

NORA plans to release a full report with comprehensive results and recommendations in 2026. The findings will be used to inform future standards, technician training and homeowner outreach.

In a significant step toward advancing clean energy education and workforce readiness, NORA has partnered with the State University of New York (SUNY) Morrisville to deliver industry-recognized training in renewable liquid fuels. The collaboration focuses on hands-on experience with 100 percent biodiesel (B100), integrating NORA’s certification program with the college’s Renewable Energy degree tracks.

At the heart of the program is a state-of-the-art training facility on the Morrisville campus, where students work with climate-controlled enclosures that allow for the safe and efficient use of B100 in real heating systems. The fuel is sourced in partnership with NORA and delivered by regional heating oil dealers committed to advancing carbon-reducing fuels.

Students participating in the program receive classroom instruction, practical lab work, and access to NORA’s Bronze Technician Certification, a nationally recognized credential in the liquid heating fuels industry. These credentials enhance employability and ensure that technicians are well-versed in the latest low-carbon fuel technologies.

The training program also supports NORA’s broader mission to reduce carbon emissions from heating systems through the adoption of renewable fuels and high-efficiency equipment. By embedding these technologies in the curriculum, SUNY Morrisville becomes a key player in building the future renewable energy workforce.

The SUNY Morrisville program is part of a growing network of NORA-certified schools across the country. These play a critical role in preparing new technicians with the skills needed to install, maintain and service modern, high-efficiency heating systems — many of which now operate on low-carbon renewable fuels like biodiesel blends. Students gain foundational knowledge in combustion science, controls, system diagnostics and fuel properties — along with specialized instruction in the proper handling and application of renewable liquid heating fuels.

With continued support from both state and industry partners, the education program includes additional certification levels, technician workshops and continuing education opportunities. NORA continues to strengthen the liquid heating industry by expanding its nationwide network of affiliated technical institutions including high schools, technical schools, trade associations and community colleges.

NORA continues to strengthen the technical education industry through its Accredited Instructor Program (AIP) — a specialized training initiative designed to elevate the industry’s technical instructors into “master-level” educators.

Since its inception in 2024, the AIP has certified more than two dozen technical trainers from high schools, community colleges, technical schools and association schools. Participants have engaged in a rigorous, hands-on experience that emphasized not just what to teach — but how to teach it. Each candidate began with a presentation based on their current teaching style. These presentations were then evaluated by peers and the instructor, providing a foundation for growth. The training that followed focused on transforming simple fact-sharing into dynamic, student-focused instruction, leading to deeper understanding and long-term retention.

NORA has released three new videos showcasing its commitment to technician education, clean energy research and industry advancement. These videos offer a behind-the scenes look at the people, programs and innovations driving progress in the liquid heating fuels sector.

The videos take an inside look at NORA’s Plainview, New York, Liquid Heating Fuels Lab, its Technical Education Program and a roundtable discussion with NORA and a selection of state association executives.

These video resources, along with a library of training videos, are available on NORA’s YouTube channel (youtube.com/@noranora9161).

Please feel free to visit our website at www.noraweb.org for new technical and educational updates, new videos and other industry news and events as we continue moving forward toward the 2025-2026 heating season.

by Michael Devine, NORA President and Don Farrell, NORA Communications Director.