Like biogas, bioLPG is also well-established overseas. 460,000 tonnes are already being produced globally each year – an amount that would more than cover New Zealand’s current LPG needs.
BioLPG is primarily produced in a biofuel refinery when renewable diesel or biofuels are made from waste vegetable oil. Produced this way, bioLPG creates up to 80% less carbon than conventional LPG.
However, by improving the carbon efficiency of the feedstocks and energy used in the refining process, we believe bioLPG could be a full zero carbon option. And, because it’s a direct replacement for conventional LPG, switching to bioLPG wouldn’t require any changes to existing appliances or equipment.
As a member of the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association (LPGA), Firstgas is supporting studies into bioLPG across the industry. We’re also looking at how we can bolster production here, or import bioLPG to supply our Rockgas customers.
The LPG industry association commissioned Worley to provide a technical view of the pathway for bio-LPG in New Zealand. This report concludes that around 30% of LPG demand could be supplied by 2035 – reducing carbon emissions by more than 300,000 tonnes per year.
Read the full report
