At CALOR, we believe smart energy solutions can be both sustainable and practical. BioLPG is a prime example. It’s a renewable LPG alternative fuel that transforms everyday waste into clean, reliable energy while seamlessly integrating with your existing systems.
This guide explores what BioLPG is, how it’s produced, and the benefits it offers over conventional LPG. We’ll also share practical advice on making the switch, whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner looking to embrace a greener future.
What is BioLPG?
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is a versatile hydrocarbon fuel available mainly as propane (C₃H₈) and butane (C₄H₁₀). Because it is stored in liquid form—whether in bulk tanks or cylinders—it can easily serve areas not connected to the mains grids.
BioLPG is the renewable version of the LPG you already know. Instead of fossil fuels, it’s produced from organic waste like used cooking oils, animal fats, and other bio-based residues that might otherwise be thrown away. Since it’s chemically identical to conventional LPG, BioLPG delivers the same high energy efficiency and reliability.
What sets it apart is its environmental benefit. Using sustainable feedstocks, BioLPG can cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50% to as much as 90% compared to traditional fossil fuels (1). It’s fully certified under international sustainability standards and is exempt from carbon tax.
In short, BioLPG isn’t just an alternative fuel—it’s a forward-thinking solution designed to help domestic, commercial, and industrial sectors, especially in rural Ireland, move toward a cleaner energy future.
How is BioLPG produced?
The journey of BioLPG begins with everyday waste, turning what would be discarded into a valuable energy resource. Here’s how the process works:
- Sourcing and collection: Organic waste materials—such as used cooking oil, restaurant grease, and animal fats—are collected from local sources. This supports local communities by reducing transportation emissions and ensures that valuable resources are kept within the region.
- Pre-treatment: Once collected, these materials are carefully filtered and cleaned to remove impurities. This crucial step guarantees that the final product meets strict quality standards and is safe for everyday use.
- Refining process: The purified waste is then processed using techniques like hydrodeoxygenation and fractionation. These methods efficiently transform the raw feedstocks into a high-quality fuel, maximising energy output while minimising further waste.
- Quality assurance: Finally, rigorous testing ensures that BioLPG is chemically identical to conventional LPG. This means it can seamlessly integrate into existing storage, transport, and appliance systems.
This innovative production process turns waste into a resource and helps build a circular economy—where resources are continually reused rather than discarded.
Benefits of BioLPG over conventional LPG
Switching to BioLPG offers many benefits that extend well beyond reducing carbon emissions.
Environmental benefits
- Significant emission reductions: Conventional LPG already burns cleaner than many fossil fuels, emitting up to 33% less carbon dioxide than coal and 11% less than kerosene (2). BioLPG takes this further—replacing fossil-derived fuel with a renewable resource can slash greenhouse gas emissions by 50% to 90% (3). This means every drop of BioLPG used contributes to cleaner air and a healthier ecosystem.
- Waste diversion: By converting organic waste into fuel, BioLPG cuts emissions and reduces landfill use. This dual impact supports broader recycling and waste reduction efforts, ensuring that resources are continually put to good use.
Economic advantages
- Boosting local economies: Because the feedstocks for BioLPG are often sourced locally, its production creates jobs and stimulates regional economic growth. Supporting local industries helps reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels and strengthens community resilience.
- Cost-effectiveness: As renewable energy technologies mature, the cost of producing BioLPG is becoming increasingly competitive. Research shows that switching to renewable-ready gas boilers powered by LPG or BioLPG can significantly improve a home’s energy rating—often at a fraction of the cost of installing an electric heat pump. For example, while an electric heat pump might cost up to €12,000, a new renewable-ready gas boiler can be installed for around €5,000. These cost savings make it an attractive, budget-friendly option for many households(4).
Seamless Integration
- Drop-in fuel: One of the standout features of BioLPG is its compatibility with existing LPG infrastructure. Since it’s chemically almost identical to conventional LPG, you can switch over without needing significant modifications or expensive upgrades. This “drop-in” capability means that homes and businesses, including those in rural areas, can transition quickly and easily.
- Proven reliability: Despite its renewable origins, BioLPG delivers the same high energy density and dependable performance as traditional LPG. Studies have demonstrated that retrofitting an old oil-fired boiler with a renewable-ready gas boiler—and combining this with energy efficiency measures like solar PV—can boost a home’s energy rating and achieve dramatic reductions in carbon emissions.
Applications of BioLPG
BioLPG’s versatility makes it a practical choice across a broad range of applications, including domestic, farming, industrial, commercial, agricultural, leisure and transportation.
Domestic use
- Home heating & cooking: Use BioLPG for central heating, water heating, and cooking appliances. Its consistent performance means you enjoy reliable energy while reducing your carbon footprint.
- Backup energy: BioLPG can serve as a dependable backup energy source in regions prone to power fluctuations, ensuring uninterrupted service.
Commercial and industrial use
- Restaurants and catering: Many commercial kitchens are switching to BioLPG to power stoves and ovens, benefiting from both cost savings and the positive environmental impact of local sourcing.
- Manufacturing & process heating: In industrial settings, BioLPG can be used for precise process heating where efficiency is critical. It’s also well-suited for combined heat and power systems, enhancing energy security and reducing operational costs.
Transportation
- Fleet fuel: BioLPG is gaining traction as a cleaner alternative for light commercial vehicles and fleet operations. Studies indicate that substituting BioLPG can reduce operating carbon footprints by up to 70% in heavy-duty vehicles compared to diesel, LNG, or CNG blends (5)
- Specialised applications: In sectors like material handling, even replacing diesel with LPG in forklifts has lowered carbon emissions by approximately 9% (6).
Agricultural & leisure sectors
- Versatile energy source: From powering farm equipment to providing energy for leisure and hospitality venues, BioLPG offers a flexible solution that benefits both the end-user and society.
BioLPG vs. other renewable fuels
When comparing renewable energy options, BioLPG offers several distinct advantages:
- Ease of use: Unlike emerging fuels like hydrogen, which require new infrastructure, BioLPG works with the existing LPG network. This reduces transition costs and minimises disruption.
- High energy density: BioLPG provides a high energy output in a compact form. While alternatives like bioethanol may require larger storage facilities, BioLPG fits neatly into the current setup.
- Proven logistics: With established storage and distribution channels already in place, BioLPG is easier to manage than newer renewable fuels facing logistical challenges.
- Economic feasibility: Although fuels such as biodiesel and bioethanol are renewable, they often come with higher production costs and infrastructure modifications. BioLPG strikes a balance between sustainability and cost-effectiveness, making it a practical choice for many users.
The future of BioLPG in Ireland
As Ireland accelerates its shift toward renewable energy, BioLPG is emerging as a key player in the nation’s evolving energy landscape. With its cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits, BioLPG complements other renewable technologies. Here are some of the ways BioLPG is set to shape Ireland’s sustainable future:
Embracing a mixed technology approach
Heat pumps are often celebrated for their efficiency, but their high upfront cost—frequently over €12,000—can be prohibitive for many rural homeowners. In contrast, installing renewable-ready gas boilers powered by LPG or BioLPG typically costs around €5,000 (7). When these systems are enhanced with improved insulation, upgraded controls, or even solar panels, they offer an accessible, cost-effective way to boost a home’s energy performance
Cleaner air and lower emissions
In areas where traditional high-carbon fuels are still in use, transitioning to LPG or BioLPG can immediately improve air quality. With worrying research linking poor air quality to up to 1,300 premature deaths each year in Ireland (8), any move toward cleaner, low-emission fuels supports public health and the government’s Clean Air Strategy, helping to achieve national air quality targets.
Government support and incentives
The Irish government is actively fostering renewable energy adoption through various grants, incentives, and strategic initiatives. By lowering the financial barriers to switching to cleaner fuels, these programmes encourage innovation and make BioLPG an even more attractive option. For example, the National Residential Retrofit Plan aims to upgrade 500,000 homes to a higher energy rating (B2 or above) by 2030 and install 400,000 heat pumps in existing properties. Such initiatives not only enhance energy efficiency but also pave the way for the widespread use of renewable fuels across both urban and rural communities.
How to switch to BioLPG
Transitioning to BioLPG is easier than you might think. Here’s a step-by-step roadmap to guide you through the process:
- Evaluate your energy use: Start by reviewing your energy bills and usage patterns to pinpoint where switching to BioLPG could offer the most benefit. Consider both immediate needs and long-term sustainability goals.
- Consult with experts: Contact CALOR for a comprehensive assessment. Our experienced energy consultants will analyse your current setup and provide tailored recommendations to integrate BioLPG seamlessly into your home or business.
- Installation: If you’re already a CALOR LPG customer, you’ll be pleased to know that BioLPG works seamlessly with your existing setup—no significant changes required. And if you’re new to CALOR LPG, don’t worry; we’ll guide you through the entire process from start to finish for a hassle-free switch.
- Ongoing support: Once installed, monitor your energy usage and savings. CALOR offers continuous support to help maximise benefits and address any challenges.
Chat with an expert CALOR energy consultant