Responsible diversification of NJ’s heating and fuel sources will allow families in the Garden State to be part of the solution as we move toward a zero-carbon-emissions future. We can do this without compromising our comfort, our financial situations or our commitment to achieve carbon neutrality.
As an alternative to converting to ALL electric heat, the people of New Jersey would be well served to have multiple heating and fuel options available in order to minimize or altogether avoid unnecessary strain on the grid. And while the ultimate goal is to achieve a clean energy future, electric heat is not automatically green.
An energy infrastructure that leans too heavily on electric heat pumps during cold New Jersey winters will end up relying on fossil fuel backup to generate more electricity. This will leave people in the cold (literally) and will defeat the stated purpose of the EMP.
According to the U.S. EPA, renewable natural gas is a pathway to a zero-carbon future.
A blend of biodiesel and ultra-low-sulfur heating oil, Bioheat® fuel can also be used in current home heating systems. The percentage of biodiesel in the blend determines how the blend itself is described. For example, a blend with 5% biodiesel is referred to as B5. The 2050 goal is to get to B100. This cost- and energy-efficient option is made from organic and recycled products, which include soybean oil (a byproduct of growing soybeans), used cooking oils, inedible corn oil, canola, tallow, fats and algae.
Natural Gas
Heating Oil
Propane
Solar
Wind
Electricity