A new research and training facility designed specifically for oiheating fuels and renewables such as Bioheat, has opened in Planview, New York on Long Island with a grand opening celebration and tour. The 3,500 square foot facility is operated by the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) along with the New York Oil Heating Association (NYOHA) and the Oil Heat Comfort Corp (OHCC). The facility is known as both the NORA Liquid Fuels Research and Development Laboratory and the NYOHA/OHCC Technical Training Institute.
Kevin Rooney, John Huber, Dr. Tom Butcher and Rocco Lacertosa
The program will be overseen by energy researcher Dr. Thomas A. Butcher who will also participate in ongoing research on heating equipment and liquid fuels. In addition, John Levy, who now serves as director of education for each of the oilheat associations, will be developing and directing a variety of educational programs including Oilheat technician training.
The building features a 20-student classroom, working lab with live-firing boilers and electronic testing and analysis equipment, offices and a boardroom. “It is really exciting to have a bricks-and-mortar presence of our own that we can all use together,” said NORA President John Huber. This gives us a great opportunity to connect with people working in the industry and help them serve heating oil customers more effectively.”
NORA Chairperson Allison Heaney and President of New York City-based Skaggs-Walsh, enthused that the center will tremendously benefit the industry. “It is very exciting to have a research facility where Dr. Tom Butcher can continue with his great testing of Bioheat fuel and continue to assure that we are selling fuel of the highest quality. I also think it is amazing the both Long Island and New York City now have this space where we can bring our technicians together and train them to deliver even better service for our customers. It’s a beautiful facility with boilers ready to fire that will allow students to work hands on with the equipment. I’m very excited to have it.”