Trade association Liquid Gas UK is urging heating professionals to discover more about renewable liquid gases (RLGs) at the InstallerSHOW from June 25-27 at the NEC, Birmingham.

Thanks to its portability, clean-burning and instant heat, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) remains a popular fuel among off-gas grid homes and business ’in the UK. However, as the economy transitions to a Net Zero future, many wonder what the future holds for this popular off-grid gas and whether LPG will be phased out.

George Webb, CEO of Liquid Gas UK, seeks to addresses these misconceptions among attendees at the show. “As many installers will be aware, the delay of the widely advertised ’boiler ban’ to 2035, means that LPG and other traditional heating systems will not be phased out immediately. However, homeowners who require upgrades or replacements to their home heating systems, should still be looking to LPG and therefore RLGs, as a futureproof option,” Mr Webb says.

Although LPG remains one of the lowest carbon emitting conventional fuels available today, the LPG industry is progressing efforts to scale up the production of ‘green’ alternatives to the fuel, says Mr Webb. “LPG emits less carbon than coal and oil, but we recognise this does not go far enough in tackling climate change, which is why we’re advancing our transition to renewable liquid gases produced from 100% renewable or recycled feedstocks,” adds Mr Webb.

Importantly for an installer, these RLGs act just like their traditional counterpart, meaning no modifications to existing heating systems are required, making them a cost-effective choice for rural homeowners. In many cases, RLGs can be blended with traditional LPG or used with hybrid systems. By engaging directly with installers at the show, Liquid Gas UK aims to equip trade professionals with the latest insights on LPG and RLGs, alongside the newest safety protocols, and information about the Government’s plans for housing and Net Zero.

“The installer community’s role is more crucial than ever. Installers provide valuable insight and knowledge about the range of benefits of these fuels to homeowners and housebuilders. They’re at the very heart of decision-making and pivotal to the UK’s success in decarbonising our housing sector,” Mr. Webb explains.

“With the government’s recent support for RLGs in the Biomass Strategy, installers and homeowners should feel reassured that a decision to choose LPG and thereafter RLGs, means a viable, sustainable fuel that’s not only practical for today’s needs but also align with our environmental goals, reducing carbon emissions by up to 90% and improving energy security by reducing our reliance on imported fuels.”

Liquid Gas UK invites all attendees to visit Stand 5164 to learn more about how renewable liquid gases provide cost-effective heating for rural and off-grid homes.

What are renewable liquid gases (RLGs)?

Renewable liquid gases (RLGs) are a fuel derived from a diverse mix of sustainable biological feedstocks and processes. RLGs are pipeline-quality gases, they are a convenient and non-intrusive ‘drop-in’ solution to decarbonise a variety of rural off-grid homes and businesses.

Examples of RLGs include bioLPG and renewable dimethyl ether (rDME).

Renewable and recycled carbon dimethyl ether (rDME) is a low-carbon alternative fuel to conventional LPG, offering up to 85% emissions reduction. Produced from renewable or recycled feedstocks, it is one of the molecules being developed by Liquid Gas UK members as part of the industry’s drive to help off-grid consumers decarbonise.

rDME can be used on its own in a dedicated appliance, or blended with traditional LPG as a ‘drop-in’ fuel for existing heating systems.

BioLPG is a renewable liquid gas which can be made in several ways using different technologies and thermal or chemical processes. BioLPG is often a co-product of sustainable aviation fuel production or through gasification processes. Feedstocks for bioLPG include cooking oil, animal fat, vegetable oil, waste, plant dry matter, sugar and starch.

More information on BioLPG and rDME can be found at liquidgasuk.org.