KEY SECTORS
ACCESSIBLE HEATING SOLUTIONS, DECARBONISED BUILDINGS
In Europe, energy poverty leaves 41 million people unable to adequately warm their homes. The challenge is particularly prevalent in rural areas. For the 137 million residing in rural regions, renewable liquid gases offer a promising solution, providing a lower carbon alternative that makes the transition to clean energy accessible to all.
The European Green Deal aims to progressively decarbonise the EU by 2050. As Europe’s buildings are responsible for more than 36% of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions and 40% of the EU’s final energy consumption[1], the success of the EU green transition will hinge on finding sustainable heating solutions.
Liquid gases can play a pivotal role in this transition. Their properties allow rural communities to reduce their carbon emissions while ensuring secure energy cost-effectively. Plus, with more and more renewable liquid gases coming online, homes heated by liquid gases will reach net zero by 2050.
The importance of using liquid gases for heating lies in their convenience, versatility, cost-effectiveness, and reliability, making them a preferred choice for many consumers and businesses around Europe. Renewable liquid gases must be part of the mix to cost-effectively decarbonise the EU building stock.
DRIVING SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY
Over 8.5 million vehicles in the EU are powered by Autogas
Road transport represents almost 20% of Europe’s total greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and is the main cause of air pollution in cities. The European Commission estimates that more than 39% of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and 10% of primary PM2.5 and PM10 emissions in the EU come from this sector. To improve air quality today, we need sustainable transport solutions which are cleaner, accessible and affordable so all EU citizens can be part of the energy transition.
Autogas, which includes vehicles running on renewable liquid gas or LPG, is the number one alternative fuel in Europe. It is a readily available and can help European citizens get them to their destination in a sustainable manner today.
Compared to petrol, on a well-to-wheel basis, Autogas emits up to:
The European Commission has set the target of a 90% reduction in emissions by 2040, compared to 1990 levels. Nevertheless, recent price spikes in the energy markets and the added costs of emitting carbon associated with the EU’s climate agenda drove up input costs for Europe’s energy intensive industries. As a result of uncompetitive energy prices, many companies were forced to temporarily close down operations.
In this context, liquid gases offer a reliable and affordable alternative energy source to sustain the EU’s industrial backbone. Highly controllable temperatures, coupled with negligible emissions of nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides and particulate matter make liquid gases an efficient, effective and less environmentally impactful energy source for industry.
Longer term, renewable liquid gases can play an important role in driving European industry’s decarbonisation efforts. Europe’s liquid gas producers have committed to become a 100% renewable energy source by 2050 – aligning the industry with the EU’s net zero ambitions.
Download our Energy Everywhere infographic to learn more about liquid gases’ contribution to keeping Europe warm, mobile and industrious as we transition to a net-zero future.
Find out more about our vision for 2024-2029 here, and how we can ensure a just energy transition everywhere and for all.
