Transitional fuel is a term to describe a fuel that is used as an intermediate step in the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, for example, natural gas, which is considered a cleaner alternative to coal and oil, as it emits less carbon dioxide when burned.

During December 2023, United Nations COP28 marked a pivotal moment in climate change talks with the first-ever global stocktake since the Paris Agreement. It also included the first-ever agreement to “transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems in a just, orderly and equitable manner, accelerating action in this critical decade, so as to achieve net zero by 2050 in keeping with the science.”

As a result, transitional fuels, like natural gas, can play a vital role in facilitating the energy transition by ensuring energy security while renewable energies mature technologically and economically.

So, let’s take a look at the options.

LPG

Chemically, LPG (liquified petroleum gas) is a mixture of two flammable, but nontoxic gases called propane and butane.

It is a really convenient, super-pressurized gas stored in liquid form in a tank, canister, or bottle; and is therefore ideal for use in remote locations where ordinary gas supplies aren’t available. That doesn't just mean rural homes: large LPG canisters are extremely useful in disasters and emergencies where supplies of electricity and gas have either been interrupted or never existed in the first place.

Although LPG is a fossil fuel, it is lower in carbon than coal (33% reduction*) and oil (20% reduction*) and cleaner because it produces fewer soot particulates, nitrogen oxides, sulfur, and less carbon dioxide emissions.

*based on DESNZ figures

HVO

Hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) is a renewable fuel, made from 100% sustainable waste streams derived from used cooking oils, treated with hydrogen.

HVO is interchangeable with fossil-derived diesel and gas oil, and compared to diesel, significantly reduces greenhouse gases during the product life. It has a higher energy content by mass compared to diesel and can be used as a drop-in fuel for existing diesel engines with no equipment modifications. 

Green Ammonia

The term “green ammonia” does not refer to the colour of the ammonia, but the nature of the production process.

This future fuel is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional ammonia, produced using green hydrogen which is derived from renewable energy sources. It has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support a whole variety of industries.

Indeed, Flogas Britain and Cardiff University have formed a consortium with government funding to develop the first green ammonia-fuelled steam boiler.

rDME

rDME (Renewable Dimythel Ether) is a low-carbon liquid gas with the potential to play a significant role in defossilising the LPG industry. It has 74% less carbon than fossil propane and can be produced from a variety of waste feedstocks including refuse.

rDME can be blended with LPG or used in its pure form, with little change to existing equipment and infrastructure which makes it a straightforward and affordable option for helping customers to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

Biopropane

Biopropane is a clean-burning renewable fuel that is molecularly identical to propane and can be used as a drop-in replacement for LPG.

Produced using a process called bio-refining which uses feedstocks such as used cooking oil undergoing the process of hydrogenation – combining hydrogen with the feedstock - to create bio-propane as well as renewable diesel.

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The technology we select today is already geared up for the fuel of tomorrow. So, any of our CHP units installed now can easily transition to a different future fuel without the requirement for large modifications.

Working alongside Flogas Britain, we have established several potential pathways for the short, medium and long term, when we can offer 100% renewable solutions to support customers on the journey to net zero.