Powering Ireland’s Asphalt Industry with Reliable, Cleaner Energy
18/09/2026 •
8 min
Asphalt production is one of the most energy-intensive processes in the construction supply chain. From aggregate drying to bitumen mixing, plants depend on high, stable temperatures every hour they are in operation.
For many sites across Ireland and Northern Ireland, traditional heavy fuel oil (HFO) systems have long been the default choice but rising sustainability pressures, tighter air-quality standards, and the need for greater process control are pushing asphalt operators to re-evaluate their energy sources.
Calor LPG and BioLPG provide a cleaner, more efficient and highly dependable alternative for modern asphalt plants. With consistent combustion, lower emissions, and reliable nationwide supply, Calor supports manufacturers and road-building contractors in delivering high-quality asphalt while reducing operational risk and environmental impact.
Why high-performance energy matters in asphalt production
Asphalt manufacturing demands precise and consistent high heat, especially during the critical stages of aggregate drying and bitumen mixing. Drum dryers typically operate at 150–180°C, depending on mix specification and moisture levels.
Even small temperature fluctuations can cause:
Under-dried aggregates that compromise binder adhesion
Inconsistent mix quality and increased risk of pavement failure
Higher fuel consumption as burners work harder to stabilise heat
More maintenance due to soot accumulation or burner instability
Material waste when mix temperatures fall outside specification
For plants still using heavy fuel oil, these risks are amplified. Oil combustion often results in:
Higher soot and sulphur emissions
Variable flame temperature
More residue inside drying drums and flues
Frequent burner cleaning
Increased downtime and shorter equipment lifespan
Environmental policy is also accelerating change. Ireland’s Climate Action Plan and Northern Ireland’s Green Growth Strategy place renewed focus on reducing industrial fossil-fuel use, including Scope 1 emissions from manufacturing. Asphalt producers are under pressure to improve environmental performance without compromising production capacity. LPG and BioLPG offer a proven route to achieving this.
The advantages of Calor LPG for asphalt companies
Energy choice plays a central role in asphalt production. Calor LPG gives plant operators a cleaner, more consistent fuel that improves heating performance, reduces maintenance and supports sustainability targets, all while delivering the reliable high heat the process depends on.
High heat, total control
LPG delivers instant, steady high heat, making it well suited to the thermal demands of asphalt production. Its clean, stable flame supports:
Accurate temperature control inside the dryer drum
Fast heat adjustment when aggregate moisture levels change
More consistent mix temperatures, improving final product quality
Reduced fuel waste thanks to more efficient burner performance
This results in a tighter, more predictable production process, which is essential for meeting EN 13108 mix standards used throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Lower emissions and cleaner combustion
Based on the current SEAI direct emission factors, LPG produces lower direct CO₂ emissions than diesel/gasoil while also burning with virtually no sulphur, reducing sulphur oxide (SOx) emissions to near zero.
Cleaner combustion can also benefit day-to-day plant performance by:
Reducing residue build-up in burners and ducts
Helping minimise the risk of blockages and flame instability
Reducing unplanned cleaning and maintenance
Lowering odours, particularly at urban or peri-urban sites
Together, these benefits can support more reliable operations while helping businesses work towards their environmental and regulatory objectives.
Operational efficiency and equipment longevity
With stable heat distribution and a cleaner flame profile, LPG can support smoother and more efficient plant operation. Asphalt producers commonly report:
Longer burner and dryer drum life due to reduced soot abrasion
Lower maintenance costs
Fewer disruptions during peak surfacing periods
Improved fuel efficiency and lower cost per tonne of asphalt
These operational gains add up quickly for plants running extended shifts during the construction season.
Reliable energy supply across Ireland and Northern Ireland
Calor operates one of the most extensive LPG delivery networks across Ireland and Northern Ireland, supporting industrial sites year-round.
Calor provides:
Nationwide distribution for secure supply
On-site tank telemetry for real-time monitoring
Automated refills to prevent production interruptions
Local engineering teams experienced in industrial burner systems
This end-to-end service helps asphalt producers maintain reliable output, even during tight project schedules or unpredictable weather windows.
Success story: How Arkil Ltd Improved Asphalt Plant Efficiency with Calor LPG
Arkil Ltd. wanted an energy solution that would lower emissions and reduce the amount of maintenance required at their asphalt plant in Co. Kildare. Their previous oil-fired burner produced higher carbon emissions and created build-up on key components, including the swirl plate and filter bags. This meant regular cleaning, more downtime, and higher running costs.
After switching to a Calor LPG-powered burner, these issues were greatly reduced. The cleaner-burning LPG system cut down on residue, leading to less swirl plate cleaning and far fewer filter bag replacements. Calor worked closely with the Arkil team to design, install, and commission the new gas system, ensuring a smooth transition.
Since the changeover, Arkil Ltd. has achieved a 22% reduction in CO₂ emissions and 10% lower annual running costs, a saving of more than 370,000kg of CO₂ each year.
“
Calor LPG burns much cleaner and from an environmental point of view is much better. It has worked extremely well. We’ve had no difficulties with it since it was turned on. It’s very efficient in the burning process and from an environmental point of view, achieves one of our company goals.
Beyond LPG, Calor also supplies BioLPG, a renewable drop-in alternative that's compatible with existing LPG systems. For asphalt producers looking to support their decarbonisation goals, BioLPG provides a practical way to reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions without replacing existing LPG infrastructure.
Key benefits include:
Renewable drop-in fuel compatible with existing LPG systems
No burner or plant modifications required
Supports efforts to reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions
Helps businesses work towards lower-carbon construction projects
As public and private sector organisations place greater emphasis on reducing emissions across construction projects, energy choices are becoming an increasingly important part of procurement. BioLPG allows businesses already using LPG to lower lifecycle emissions while continuing to use the same equipment and infrastructure.
With over 80 years supporting industrial sectors across Ireland, Calor has the technical expertise and infrastructure to meet the demanding requirements of asphalt manufacturers.
Calor provides:
Full site assessment and energy consultation
Tank sizing, installation, and commissioning
Bulk delivery and secure nationwide supply
Automated telemetry monitoring
Ongoing maintenance and safety support
Local engineering teams familiar with asphalt plant systems
Calor is trusted by leading construction and manufacturing businesses across Ireland for its reliability, safety record, and energy expertise. Asphalt producers benefit from a partnership approach that supports performance, compliance, and long-term sustainability.
As the construction industry evolves, the need for cleaner, more reliable energy is only increasing. Calor LPG and BioLPG provide the stable high-heat performance asphalt plants rely on, while lowering emissions and reducing maintenance.
Ready to modernise your asphalt plant’s energy supply?
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