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SUSTAINABLE FUEL
ALTERNATIVES FOR OFF GRID
Adrian Heath, from Calor, suggests why Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is a good alternative fuel for those businesses off the main gas grid
ith an ever-increasing focus on sustainability and carbon emissions, it’s critical that manufacturers off the mains gas grid can access alternative fuel options to reduce their carbon emissions whilst future-proofing their business. The Government’s Heat and Buildings Strategy, announced in October, outlined the UK’s plan to move towards more sustainable fuel sources to heat our homes and businesses.
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However, while timescales are clear, other factors such as the Medium Combustion Plant Direction (MCPD) and a potential increase in taxation on those not reviewing and improving their heating methods, can mean off mains gas grid businesses are facing the challenge of moving towards a more sustainable way of working whilst combating the responsibilities that come with being off the mains gas grid. The Heat and Buildings Strategy focused heavily on the use of heat pumps almost as a ‘silver bullet’ solution to what is a very multi- faceted challenge. Coupled with starting on those homes and businesses off the gas grid, this proposed route has many apparent pitfalls.
Opening up options
The cost of commercial heat pumps can be tens of thousands of pounds and they are not always feasible for hard-to-treat buildings. In addition, complex and energy intensive processes such as manufacturing or food production may not find heat pumps compatible with their power requirement. In reality, there needs to be more options available to those who want to move away from heavy or solid fuels.
Independent research commissioned by Calor recently surveyed more than 200 UK manufacturing businesses located off the mains gas grid about their approach and heating strategy moving forward. Encouragingly, 75 per cent of those surveyed demonstrated a commitment to sustainability, with 42 per cent of them stating sustainability was very important to their business.
In fact, nearly nine out of ten manufacturers were already reusing
resources in a bid to be more sustainable, while three quarters were increasing their energy efficiency and 62 per cent were sourcing sustainable raw materials. However, one in five felt they still needed further information to be sure they were making the right move and the same number felt a drive to sustainability was still a luxury. For businesses unsure of what approach to take, we want to encourage them to take a small step in the right direction. Transitional fuels will likely bring better efficiencies as well as reduce emissions. Calor is on a mission to become a 100% renewable energy provider by 2040 and is taking customers on that journey.
Immediate cut in emissions Reducing carbon footprint whilst remaining cost-effective and operationally efficient can be a challenge. Switching to LPG can immediately cut emissions by 16 per cent1 compared to oil and is ideal for rural businesses where electricity is simply not viable due to the processes needed or simply because of limited supply to the location. For those looking to move away from oil, diesel, solid fuel or kerosene, Calor is on hand to guide businesses through the process, provide a straightforward switch and deliver a substantial cut in emissions. Looking ahead, as well as Calor’s BioLPG solution, additional sustainable fuels are in development and our teams are working to make these available in the foreseeable future.
While the survey responses are
encouraging, and some of the steps already taken show an over-arching
commitment to sustainability and reducing carbon emissions, businesses off the mains gas grid still face challenges.
Manufacturing is an energy intensive process, so selecting an appropriate fuel source that both cuts emissions whilst maintaining the output and processes they need, can be challenging.
When questioned on the
key criteria for choice of a new energy source, 84 per cent said reliability of the energy supply was the primary factor, closely followed by its suitability for the manufacturing processes.
Sustainable and renewable Nearly half of those manufacturers who took part in the independent research said that they were using more sustainable fuels for heating and manufacturing, and renewable fuels for general energy. However, the survey also showed that only a fifth of manufacturers had appointed a sustainability director or developed a sustainability team to help make the move a reality.
The research also found that 40 per cent of manufacturers currently using oil stated that they were likely to change fuel source in the next 4-5 years; motivated by cost, availability, tax implications and environmental factors. With two of Europe’s largest LPG gas storage terminals in place, Calor offers security of supply. Equally, with a pledge to supply its customers with 100 per cent renewable energy by 2040, working with Calor can help companies power manufacturing processes, be compliant with current environmental legislation and deliver on their sustainability requirements. 1 Atlantic Consulting 2017
Calor
www.calor.co.uk
FEBRUARY 2022 | PROCESS & CONTROL 49
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