Running an off-grid company has you facing the same same commercial pressures as any other business. Reducing overheads, watching profit margins, improving efficiencies and adhering to increasingly stringent carbon reduction targets are all par for the course.
This is where your energy supply comes in. An average small business in the UK with approximately 10-49 employees, is set to spend in the region of £19k a year on gas and electricity. Taking this into account, securing the very best off-grid, commercial energy source and deal couldn’t be more vital to your bottom line.
Oil has long been the off-grid fuel of choice when it comes to providing commercial (and indeed domestic) heat and power but the combination of price volatility along with rising environmental pressures means the likes of LPG (liquified petroleum gas), LNG (liquified natural gas) and of course renewables are becoming increasingly more favourable options for the off-grid business community.
It is easy to see why. The likes of LPG provide a billion businesses and people across the globe with a versatile, reliable and secure supply. In addition, it is both cleaner and more efficient than traditional fossil fuels, providing a benefit not only from swift cost savings but also a lower carbon footprint too.
The good news is, for those still relying on oil, electric or solid fuel – the switch to LPG is incredibly quick and pain-free with minimal downtime to operations. However, before you take that all-important step towards a more sustainable and cost-effective energy solution, LPG gas tank suppliers, Flogas, has compiled its top FAQs to help you make a fully-informed decision.
What exactly is LPG?
LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) is a blanket term for two types of natural gas: Propane (C3H8) and Butane (C4H10). Both of these 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%). Otherwise going to waste, it can instead be utilised as an exceptional and efficient source of energy.
How environmentally friendly is LPG?
As it is cleaner than most other fossil fuels, LPG helps to improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It emits 33% less CO2 than coal and 15% less than heating oil, and releases virtually no black carbon – which is a major contributor to climate change. In addition, it doesn’t pose a risk to soil or groundwater and releases fewer nitrogen oxides (NOx) than most other fossil fuels. This results in a lower carbon footprint and a cleaner, more futureproof supply for companies.
Is LPG suitable for my business?
LPG is an incredibly versatile fuel and can be used practically anywhere. 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 industrial heating and manufacturing processes such as 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.
Will LPG save my business money?
The larger and more energy-intensive your business, the greater the opportunity to reap notable cost savings. 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.
How easy is it to switch from oil?
The switch from oil to LPG is quick and hassle-free. The company you choose will manage the whole process from start to finish making the conversion seamless and easy to undergo. 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 installation, whether above or below ground.
Can I rely on LPG?
The short answer is a resounding yes! LPG is 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 which means you will never run out.
When should I opt for LNG instead?
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) has been cooled to a very low temperature (-162ºC), making it extremely compact and light to store and transport. This is a particularly popular option amongst more energy intensive off-grid companies, particularly those using a high amount of oil such as 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
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