Company Updates, Efficiency

Safe steps… while industry waits for renewable infrastructure, LPG offers a low-carbon option

SPONSORED CONTENT | In comparison to natural gas, LPG has a low carbon to hydrogen ratio, which means it produces smaller quantities of carbon dioxide per unit of heat generated when burnt.

Renewable energy sources are out-performing most expectations on markets and in real world applications, but supply-side constraints are slowing our transition. The problem is particularly notable in Australia, where a lack of urgency for approvals on large-scale infrastructure is holding back multiple major projects around the country.

Manufacturing in particular has been short-changed by the country’s fragmented shift. Low to moderate energy use industries have benefitted strongly from rooftop solar and batteries. Meanwhile, energy-intensive industries that rely on lifting trucks, industrial boilers or drying (including grain and hops) have been left reliant on traditional power sources and the high emissions attached. While the long-promised ‘clean coal’ is still only a political catchphrase, there are transitional fuels well positioned to help decarbonise industry on our way to a fully green economy.

Those transitional fuels may not be what you’re expecting, though. Natural gas (LNG) has been strongly touted by the Australian government as a prime choice. It’s true that natural gas is ‘cleaner’ than coal for power generation, but its high methane content means it’s only slightly better than coal and oil when it comes to full lifecycle greenhouse effects and its advantages are lessened for uses other than electricity generation.

No surprise emissions

In comparison to natural gas, LPG has a low carbon to hydrogen ratio, which means it produces smaller quantities of carbon dioxide per unit of heat generated when burnt. Unlike methane-rich natural gas, Australian LPG is propane, which is not a greenhouse gas. Better still, Australia is rich in LPG and the fuel has stable pricing structure here (unlike natural gas) and wide distribution network.

Leading LPG distributor Elgas has long worked with industry partners across Australia to meet their needs in powering heating, hot water and commercial cooking ranges. In the past, the decision to use LPG as a fuel for these processes was price-driven or made on the basis of the reliable and steady power output of LPG. Now, new customers are also choosing LPG for its carbon savings, whether for personal preferences or in expectation of international carbon tariffs.

Elgas delivers LPG in bulk to storage tanks or as exchangeable industrial cylinders. These cylinders are supplied and maintained by Elgas, removing a large initial investment for new customers. Forklift customers – LPG is popular both for its efficiency and the lack of unpleasant sulphur emissions around vehicles – can choose from gas bottle exchanges or installing onsite rapid refuelling stations.

LPG has a long and trusted history in Australia as a fuel for small vehicles. For agricultural and industrial vehicles and engines, Elgas supplies LPG modification kits that can be fitted to allow a partial diesel substitution, replacing 30-35% of the higher-polluting fuel and saving both money and emissions. The substitution kits are readily installed and also removable, so they can be transferred to a new engine when you replace equipment. Diesel Substitution Control Units ensure the optimum substitution rate, and data-gathering components mean the engine’s activity is continually monitored and logged to ensure peak efficiency and performance.

To learn more, contact Elgas online or on 131 161.


Send this to a friend