Traditional LPG, otherwise known as Liquefied Petroleum Gas, has been a popular choice for heating and cooking in off-grid households in rural communities throughout the UK for many years, providing a cost-effective and versatile energy solution - not only does it provide warmth and hot water, it’s also great for cooking!
But renewable gases are on their way. The LPG industry is committed to delivering 100% renewable solutions by 2,040 and supporting the Government's legally binding target to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2,050. Although, of course, the outgoing conservative government recently made changes to the government's green commitments. Nevertheless, renewable gases such as Bioliquefied Petroleum Gas (BioLPG) and Renewable Dimethyl Esher (rDME) are part of that transition. Both are eco-friendly fuels that have a big impact on emissions and decarbonising rural off-grid homes.
As greenhouse emissions blanket the earth, they trap in the sun’s heat, leading to global warming. Net Zero means that the amount of greenhouse gases released into the environment balance with the amount removed and stored by carbon sinks. By reducing emissions, air quality improves, a benefit to all of us as individuals as well as to the environment.
Whilst both traditional LPG and renewable gases do the same job when it comes to heating homes, providing immediate heating and hot water with no drop in performance levels, there are distinct differences between traditional LPG and renewable gases and their impact on the environment. Here we’re going to take a look at what those differences are, as well as the environmental impact of using either type of LPG, and what this will mean for you and your carbon footprint moving forward.
So let’s look at what are these gases are made from
Traditional LPG:
Derived from fossil fuels, it’s a mixture of hydrocarbon gases, and made from molecules that contain hydrogen and carbon atoms. These atoms occur naturally and are easily converted to a liquid form through the application of moderate pressure. Traditional LPG is highly versatile, and a clean-burning and smoke-free fuel that’s better for the environment than other off-grid alternatives such as heating oil as it emits very low levels of NOx, SOx and Particulate Matter (PM). Nevertheless, it is still a non-renewable source of energy.
There are two types of traditional LPG: propane and butane. Propane comes from natural gas processing and oil refining, and is ideal for outdoor use as well as for fuelling your home so is often used in residential and commercial use. Butane comes from refining petrol and is ideal for portable heaters and outdoor uses, such as camping.
Renewable gases:
As their name suggests, renewable gases are made from renewable resources.
BioLPG is made from a diverse mix of biological feedstocks and processes making it a renewable and sustainable product. Feedstocks can include used cooking oil, non-virgin vegetable oil, animal fat and waste to name but a few. It is identical to LPG as both are derived from the same carbon dioxide and water molecules, and it conforms to all the standards associated with LPG supply.
rDME is made from renewable feedstock such as methane from animal waste, sewage sludge, agricultural residues and energy crops, and municipal waste, as well as renewable power and CO2. It can be produced through two different methods, one is a process called methanol dehydrations and the other is directly from synthesis gas produced via thermal gasification. Like BioLPG, it is easy to handle and store in liquid form.
Both these renewable gases are ‘drop-in’, cost-effective, safe fuels that can be easily and safely transported as a liquid in pressurised tanks in the same way as traditional LPG. However, they are more sustainable in the long term than traditional LPG due to renewable feedstocks, whereas the depletion of natural gas and crude oil reserves is a concern long-term that surrounds the sustainability of traditional LPG.
So what are the environmental benefits?
Whilst considered to be cleaner burning than many other fossil fuels, traditional LPG is still a fossil fuel, and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions when burned, all-but it produces fewer pollutants such as sulphur and particulates than other fossil fuels.
Renewable gases, however, being derived from renewable sources, are considered more environmentally friendly and can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional LPG, aligning with the UK’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to a greener future. According to The LSE (The London School of Economics and Political Science) ‘switching from fossil fuels to renewables including wind and solar power to generate electricity is significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions in many countries’.
BioLPG reduces carbon emissions by up to 90% when compared to traditional LPG, and is a tried and tested means of substantially reducing carbon emissions. And significant carbon savings of up to 85% can be made with rDME when compared to diesel and heating oil.
Can I use renewable gas in my existing heating system and appliances?
As BioLPG is chemically identical to traditional LPG, it’s compatible with all LPG systems and appliances. Similarly, rDME is chemically similar to butane and propane.
Both BioLPG and rDME are completely compatible with all your existing LPG products, and both can be blended with traditional LPG so there’s no need to run your tank down – ‘drop-in’ solutions that work in your existing tank and with your current boiler, providing a smooth transition from your existing supply without the expense of new equipment. In addition rDME can also be blended with BioLPG.
When will renewable gases be readily available?
Market demand for LPG is growing as more off-grid home owners see the benefit of switching to LPG from high-carbon kerosene, and as the market grows, industry is investing for the future. Liquid Gas UK members increased investment in renewable gas to over £200 million in 2022.
The first commercial plant producing rDME from waste is currently being built at Teesside and is forecasted to produce 50,000 tonnes of rDME per year, supporting more than a million off-grid households in the UK in lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Infrastructure for Biogas is also growing.
So whilst we’re not there just yet, it’s on the horizon, and the future for off-grid homes is bright. Renewable liquid gases will play a key role in the decarbonisation of heat, and provide choice, flexibility and a reliable, affordable means for off-grid homes to reduce carbon emissions.
We’re looking forward to offering these two ‘drop-in’ greener LPG options soon so you can heat your home, safe in the knowledge you’re being greener. So watch this space!
For reliable energy solutions, contact Northern Energy at 01423 772 789 or email helplpg@northernenergy.co.uk. If you are considering switching to LPG from another energy source, let us help you switch; a safer, more efficient energy source today.