Renewable Liquid Gases
Renewable liquid gases, including BioLPG and renewable dimethyl ether (rDME), are low carbon alternatives to conventional liquid gas. They are produced from sustainable sources such as organic residues and waste, used cooking oil, vegetable oils, and agricultural by products.
BioLPG
Currently in use across Ireland, BioLPG is chemically identical to liquid gas. This means it offers the same performance for heating and fuel applications as traditional liquid gas but with a significantly lower environmental impact.
BioLPG is known as a drop in fuel. It can be blended with traditional liquid gas, allowing consumers to take a step by step approach to increasing their renewable fuel use as part of their energy mix. As a drop in fuel, BioLPG requires no changes to existing liquid gas systems or appliances, making it an easy and affordable renewable transition option for rural and off natural gas grid households.
Certified under the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) scheme, BioLPG reduces greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50 percent and up to 90 percent against set values of conventional fossil fuels, in accordance with the European Union Renewable Energy Directive. BioLPG is exempt from carbon tax in Ireland and will become increasingly cost effective as carbon tax rates continue to rise.
Renewable Dimethyl Ether (rDME)
Ongoing innovation in the liquid gas sector is enabling the emergence of renewable dimethyl ether (rDME,). This is a low carbon, sustainable fuel that complements the progress already achieved with BioLPG.
Produced through gasification and catalytic synthesis, rDME can be derived from a wide range of feedstocks, including municipal solid waste, forest biomass, agricultural residues, sewage sludge, and dedicated energy crops. This versatility supports the growth of a circular economy by transforming waste into valuable energy.
Like BioLPG, one of the key advantages of rDME is its compatibility with existing liquid gas infrastructure. It can be blended with liquid gas or BioLPG and used in current appliances and distribution systems, providing a practical and cost effective energy solution for homes and businesses located off the natural gas grid.
Environmental and Energy Benefits
Both BioLPG and rDME offer considerable environmental advantages. They emit far fewer greenhouse gases and air pollutants than traditional fossil fuels, supporting efforts to reduce carbon footprint across multiple sectors.
By using locally available waste materials, renewable liquid gases also enhance energy security, diversify the energy mix, and contribute to a more stable and resilient energy system that is less vulnerable to global market disruptions.