Liquid Gases
Liquid gases are a portable, cleaner and efficient energy solution, readily accessible to all citizens and businesses across Europe.
Their exceptional characteristics make them adaptable to over 1,000 applications, including but not limited to heating, cooking, transportation, industrial processes, and agricultural operations. Due to their dual origin and the fact that they are easily transportable, liquid gases offer a secure alternative to energy sources which are part of a grid system.
LPG
LPG is an immediately available lower-carbon alternative that encompasses two natural liquid gases: propane and butane, or a combination of both. Despite their chemical similarities, slight variations in their properties make them ideally suited for distinct applications.
Propane’s lower boiling point is perfect for outdoor storage, and it is primarily used for central heating, commercial applications, cooking and transport.
Butane is mainly shipped in cylinders for portable applications such as mobile heaters, or for leisure activities such as boats, caravans and barbecues. Butane can also be used as a propellant, refrigerant or to fuel welding torches.
Renewable liquid gases
Renewable LPG and renewable and recycled and carbon Dimethyl Ether (DME) are sustainable alternatives to traditional liquid gases, as they are derived from organic sources such as biomass or organic waste. Renewable LPG is produced through the refining of renewable feedstocks, while renewable and recycled carbon DME is synthesised via the dehydration of methanol derived from biomass. Both renewable LPG and renewable and recycled carbon DME offer significant environmental benefits, emitting lower levels of greenhouse gases and pollutants compared to conventional LPG and diesel, respectively. Additionally, they can be seamlessly integrated into existing infrastructures, making them attractive options for reducing carbon footprints in sectors like transportation and heating. Their renewable nature and compatibility with existing systems make renewable LPG and renewable and recycled carbon DME promising solutions in the transition towards a more sustainable energy future.
Where are liquid gases used?
Liquid gases can be used in various sectors, such as domestic, commercial, industrial, agricultural and transport. Wherever heat, light or power is required, liquid gases can offer their benefits to both end-users and society as a whole.
Heating
137 million European citizens live in rural areas, and many struggle to adequately heat their homes. Space heating is an important source of emissions. Implementing energy-efficient measures can notably curtail these emissions. Transitioning from coal or heating oil to liquid gases offers a viable means to cut emissions, with further reductions achievable through the adoption of renewable liquid gases.
Cooking
For individuals living in off-grid areas, liquid gases serve as an excellent cooking fuel. The benefits of cooking with gas are well-known: precise flame control, instant heat adjustment, and clear visibility of the cooking intensity. Liquid gases are also commonly used for outdoor cooking, be it barbecues or whilst camping. The use of liquid gases for cooking not only provides a convenient and efficient cooking method, but also reduces the environmental impact of cooking, as liquid gases have lower emissions compared to other cooking fuels.
Mobile Energy
There are various applications that require reliable portable energy, for which liquid gases are pivotal. These include, but are not limited to:
- Portable generator, which are used in situations where a stable power source is needed but electricity is unavailable or unreliable. They are often used in outdoor events, construction sites, and as backup power during emergencies.
- Water pumps powered by liquid gases are used in agricultural irrigation, disaster response and other situations where access to electricity or other power sources is limited.
- Torches that use liquid gases are commonly used in construction for tasks such as heating roofing materials, sealing seams, and applying adhesives.
- Liquid gas heaters are often used in outdoor settings, construction sites, workshops, and for camping.
- Liquid gases are often used in food trucks and mobile catering operations for cooking appliances such as griddles, fryers, and ovens. It provides reliable and controllable heat for cooking on the go.
- Many forklifts and other material handling equipment are powered by liquid gases. This allows them to operate indoors or outdoors with minimal emissions and easy refuelling.
Transport
Industrial applications
Countless businesses, ranging from large-scale industries to SMEs, depend on liquid gases as a primary energy source across various operations. This wide range of applications demonstrates the versatility and adaptability of liquid gases in meeting the diverse energy needs of different industries. Liquid gases have widespread applications in other diverse areas, including space and process heating, welding, machinery power, food production, water heating, powering fork-lift trucks, to farming applications.
What are the benefits of liquid gases
Versatile
Used in off-grid heating, industrial applications and vehicles, liquid gases have more than 1000 applications in Europe.
Renewable
Increasingly available in Europe, renewable liquid gases are a ‘drop in’ solution, which can be used in existing appliances.
Cleaner
Portable
Liquid gases are available and can be easily transported to consumers even in most remote areas of Europe.
Secure
Due to its diverse origins and ease of transport, liquid gases offer a reliable alternative where other energy sources cannot reach their end destination.
Lower carbon
LPG emits 21% less CO2 than conventional fuels. Renewable liquid gases can lower the carbon footprint of conventional liquid gases by around 80%.