Trade association, Liquid Gas UK hails investment in low-carbon biofuels as a vote of confidence in the renewable future of the liquified petroleum gas (LPG) industry.
Speaking ahead of InstallerSHOW 2023 at the NEC (27 – 29 June), George Webb, Liquid Gas UK CEO, welcomes the endorsement of the role of renewable liquid gas (RLG) among its members.
“We know that there’s no ‘silver bullet’ or singular technology to achieve net zero. Developing a hybrid energy mix, including renewable liquid gases, is an important part of our decarbonisation journey, particularly for rural consumers off the mains-gas grid,” says Mr Webb.
He adds that renewable liquid gases (RLG), which can be made from a variety of sources, including waste, cooking by-products and plants, will be more readily available thanks to industry research, development and investment.
“The industry is dedicated to educating policymakers and stakeholders about the integration of sustainable fuels, like bio-liquid petroleum gas (bioLPG) and renewable dimethyl ether (rDME), into both new and existing systems. For harder to heat households, switching to bioLPG or rDME is a low-carbon alternative to heat pumps. They can be used with existing appliances, meaning no new training for installers,” he explains.
Rinnai UK will be showcasing RLG-ready appliances at InstallerSHOW. Commenting on the importance of consumer choice, Operations Director Chris Goggin says the company is spearheading the development of rDME-fired water heaters and boilers due to the obvious need for pragmatic solutions and energy sources both on and off the gas grid.
“The need for feasible solutions is equally prevalent in rural communities and we believe that both renewable molecule and electron will have an important role to play in the future decarbonisation of rural homes and businesses,” says Mr Goggin.
Mr Webb adds: “To see these commitments from household names in manufacturing is fantastic and shows confidence in the sector to deliver renewable gases at scale, advancing our pathway to a renewable future.
“Product developments such as Rinnai’s advanced developments in rDME units ensure that commercial and residential users can choose a range of heating solutions to suit their property type, budget and needs,” he adds.
Looking ahead to the future, Mr Webb says clarity from Government around the use of RLGs, expected through the upcoming Biomass Strategy, is urgently needed to accelerate domestic production.
“As an industry, we’ve already invested over £260 million, despite continuing uncertainty,” says Mr Webb. “With a further £600m projected investment, and a credible pathway in place to achieve our net zero vision by 2040, we need the green light from Government to step up and support investment in infrastructure for renewable liquid gases.”
Mr Webb says Liquid Gas UK looks forward to supporting its members, installers and the industry at-large as it transitions to a greener future and continues to work with Government to ensure future policy recognises the role of RLG in its decarbonisation plans.
