Racing to Net Zero: The Vital Role of Liquid Gas By James Rockall, CEO & Managing Director, WLGA

Liquid Gas, including LPG, has a vital role in the unfolding narrative of our journey toward net zero emissions. As we navigate the complex terrain of climate action, it's imperative to recognise that progress, not perfection, must guide our path. With diverse communities worldwide facing distinct challenges and opportunities, a multitude of solutions is essential to ensure that, rather than having one winner-takes-all, everyone crosses the finish line in our race to net zero. In this mosaic of solutions, Liquid Gas emerges as an important solution, particularly in addressing sustainability challenges and decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors and regions.

The urgency of our climate predicament cannot be overstated. To limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) emphasises the need to nearly halve current emissions by 2030. However, in our pursuit of climate solutions, we must guard against the allure of the "perfect" solution that may hinder progress. Electrification, while often touted as a panacea, cannot fully address the energy demands of hard-to-electrify areas, where heating constitutes a significant portion of energy consumption. With heat demand outpacing renewable electricity supply, a diverse energy portfolio becomes imperative.

Moreover, disparities in economic development between the Global North and South compound the challenge of achieving a just transition. As population and GDP growth surge in the Global South, equitable access to sustainable energy solutions becomes paramount. Liquid Gas presents a tangible means to bridge this gap, offering immediate deployment and substantial emissions reductions. Traditional LPG, readily available and cleaner burning than coal or oil, represents a pragmatic step toward decarbonisation, reducing carbon emissions by about a third. This is particularly useful in regions with limited grid-based infrastructure.

Renewable Liquid Gas further enhances this potential, offering an even greater carbon reduction of 70-80% compared to conventional fuels. Renewable Liquid Gas provides a scalable solution that aligns with both climate and sustainable development goals and has the advantage that, as a drop-in solution to existing infrastructure, it does not incur the high costs associated with a switch to, for instance, renewable electricity. It’s versatility in feedstock sourcing—from oils to manure to sugarcane and other sources of waste —underscores its adaptability to diversify energy supply, to develop circular solutions and to ensure that no community is left behind in the transition to a low-carbon future.

The imperative to address energy poverty underscores the importance of Liquid Gas in promoting sustainable development. Today, 2.4 billion people – largely within the Global South – lack access to clean cooking solutions. Air pollution from dirty cooking fuels causes 3.7 million premature deaths per year, making it the third-largest cause of premature death globally. In Africa, a staggering 85% of the population relies on solid biomass and kerosene for cooking, disproportionately affecting women and girls. Lack of access to modern energy also perpetuates cycles of poverty and environmental degradation. Liquid Gas offers a cleaner, efficient alternative, mitigating health risks and empowering communities with access to modern energy services.

The potential synergies between Liquid Gas, including LPG, and forest conservation further underscore its role in driving sustainable development. By curbing deforestation through widespread adoption, we can simultaneously advance climate mitigation and biodiversity conservation goals. The monumental scale of this impact cannot be understated, with millions of hectares of forest potentially preserved through the provision of access to Liquid Gas. However, realising this vision necessitates robust partnerships and coordinated action on a global scale. With nearly 100 world leaders pledging to end deforestation by 2030 at COP26, momentum for collective action is palpable. Governments, industry, civil society, and other stakeholders must collaborate to set clear targets, establish regulatory standards, and incentivise investment in sustainable energy solutions.

Policies such as the U.S. Inflation Act exemplify the power of proactive government intervention in driving industry commitments and catalysing investment. As nations gear up for elections in 2024, it's imperative to shield climate-led policies from political polarisation and prioritise the long-term health of our planet. By fostering a conducive regulatory environment and leveraging public-private partnerships, we can accelerate the transition to a sustainable energy future.

Global challenges require global solutions and climate change knows no borders, making international collaboration essential for addressing its complex and interconnected challenges. The energy transition is neither a single journey, nor is it perfectly linear, and we must bring all voices to the table – from both the Global North and Global South. Our collective responsibility to safeguard the planet transcends borders and ideologies. Liquid Gas emerges not as a panacea but as a pragmatic tool in our arsenal of climate solutions, offering immediate emissions reductions and tangible benefits for communities worldwide. As we race on our journey toward net zero, we have the opportunity to prioritise equitable access to clean energy, and forge partnerships to drive change. Together, we can transform lives and build a more sustainable and resilient future for all.

For more on Renewable Liquid Gas: https://www.worldliquidgas.org/key-focus-areas/renewable-liquid-gas/
For more on LPG’s Role in the Energy Transition: https://online.fliphtml5.com/addge/rihc/#p=1
For more on LPG as a cooking fuel: https://www.worldliquidgas.org/key-focus-areas/cooking/