Whether you’re based at a firm which operates off-grid or through more conventional forms of energy, each business will be faced with the same commercial pressures. They need to monitor their profit margins regularly and look for ways to bring down their overheads wherever possible. Finding methods to enhance their efficiencies will be important too, as will ensuring they meet or even exceed carbon reduction targets which are becoming increasingly stringent.
When it comes to meeting those carbon reduction targets, it’s a wise move for businesses to carefully consider their choice of energy supply. The average small business — those with between ten and 49 employees — across the UK forks out £19k on gas and electricity on an annual basis. With this staggering amount in mind, it surely makes sense to secure the very best off-grid, commercial energy source and deal. In fact, such a strategy couldn’t be more vital to your bottom line.
Oil has been selected by so many commercial businesses over the years when they’ve opted to go off-grid. However, LNG (liquified natural gas) and LPG (liquified petroleum gas) have started to become more popular as a result of rising environmental pressures and price volatility in recent years. Renewables are also proving more and more appealing to firms looking to take their energy supply off-grid.
It shouldn’t shock you that much to hear about this shift in attitude. The likes of LPG provide a billion businesses and people across the globe with a versatile, reliable and secure supply – that’s both cleaner and more efficient than traditional fossil fuels. This means they benefit from swift cost savings and a lower carbon footprint to boot.
Are you reading this as a business owner and considering a change after relying on solid fuel, electric and oil for so many years? Then you’ll also be pleased to hear that switching to LPG is very easy and can be carried out with minimal downtime to operations. However, before you take that all-important step towards a more sustainable and cost-effective energy solution, Flogas, who are LPG suppliers themselves, has helped to put together this guide to help you make a fully-informed decision…
Understanding just what LPG is
An acronym for liquefied petroleum gas, LPG collects the two types of natural gas of Propane (C3H8) and Butane (C4H10) and places them into one blanket term. Both of these variations of gas are easily converted into a liquid by cooling or adding pressure. LPG is a natural by-product of natural gas and oil extraction (66%) and the refining of oil (34%). It’s an exceptional and efficient source of energy, that would otherwise go to waste if not captured.
LPG — is it environmentally friendly?
LPG stands out for being cleaner than the majority of other fossil fuels on the market. It helps users to improve air quality and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. It also emits 33% less CO2 than coal and 15% less than heating oil, with virtually no black carbon (a major contributor to climate change). What’s more, it doesn’t pose a risk to soil or groundwater and releases less nitrogen oxides (NOx) than most other fossil fuels. The result for companies? A lower carbon footprint and a cleaner, more future proof supply.
LPG — is it reliable?
Reliability should not be a worry when we’re talking about LPG. With LPG, it’s like having a mains gas supply, off the grid. It has multiple, major sources making it a widely available, secure energy source that’s in global abundance. There’s a strong network of depots and storage facilities across the UK, so you can always rely on a dependable supply. Also, tanks nowadays typically feature telemetry systems, allowing for remote monitoring and auto top-up, so you never run out.
The process involved when making a switch to LPG
You will be surprised by how quick and stress-free the process of switching from oil to LPG will be. At Flogas, for example, they’ll manage the whole process from start to finish – making the conversion seamless. A dedicated project manager will ensure you receive a bespoke solution to meet your company’s exact energy needs, and expert engineers will coordinate the gas installation (either above or below ground).
The cost savings of switching to LPG
The size of your business, as well as how energy-intensive your firm is, will alter just how much cash you’ll save by switching to LPG. We find this is particularly true for those still relying on oil. LPG has a higher calorific value per tonne than oil, making it more energy efficient. It is also cleaner, so requires far less maintenance – meaning businesses can reduce costly downtime.
Considering if LPG is right for your company
It’s important to stress here that LPG is a very versatile type of fuel which has its uses in so many situations. In fact, it has more than 1,000 uses. Available in bulk or in handy cylinders, it’s used across a vast array of commercial industries – from leisure, hospitality and agriculture through to the likes of industrial heating and manufacturing processes, including steam generation. Additionally, it can be used as efficient forklift truck fuel or to run greener vehicle fleets. You can find an exhaustive list on the UKLPG website.
Weighing up LPG against LNG
A type of gas that’s cooled to the exceptionally low temperature of -162ºC, LNG means liquefied natural gas. Because of the process that LNG goes through, it is extremely compact and light to store and transport. It’s a particularly popular option amongst more energy-intensive off-grid companies (across all sectors), for example, those using a high amount of oil (kerosene, gas oil or HFO) to drive larger manufacturing or industrial processes. It is also ideal for large logistics operations, such as road haulage and shipping, as well as for powering emergency backup generators at large usage sites.
Sources from UKLPG, WLPGA and Comparethemarket.com
