Scotland prepares to deliver renewable Liquid Gas to help rural areas

Shadow Housing Minister, Meghan Gallacher, and Shadow Energy Minister, Douglas Lumsden, two senior Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs), visited the JGas facility in Bathgate, one of the country’s largest LPG distribution centres. They were received by Managing Director of JGas, Alan Elliott, and by representatives from the trade association Liquid Gas UK.

During the tour, MSPs could learn more about how the industry is investing and preparing to deliver renewable liquid gas alternatives to ensure rural Scotland is not left behind in the net zero transition and how existing energy infrastructure can seamlessly transition to support these communities' low-carbon heating needs.

The visit highlighted a crucial issue facing rural communities while urban areas may transition to heat pumps, around 19% of Scottish households—approximately 512,000—are not connected to the gas grid. Many of these homes, particularly those that are rural and complex-to-decarbonise, need alternative low-carbon solutions that work with existing heating systems and don't require costly property modifications.

There is infrastructure development underway at the Bathgate site to accommodate bioLPG and renewable dimethyl ether (rDME), key renewable-ready liquid gases.

“The LPG supplied at JGas here in Bathgate will contribute to the energy security of rural Scotland for decades to come, with the company investing for a renewable future. We are pleased to welcome Meghan Gallacher and Douglas Lumsden here today to show them the full capabilities of this exciting new technology,” said George Webb, Chief Executive of Liquid Gas UK.

Meghan Gallacher also commented: “Whilst heat pumps may be the answer for some properties, for many homeowners, particularly in our rural communities, a heat pump is simply unaffordable and unsuitable. It was therefore hugely exciting to learn more about the role that renewable liquid gases could play in decarbonising Scotland’s homes and businesses.”

Douglas Lumsden added: “We were delighted to be given the opportunity to see first-hand the future of renewable gas production in the heart of Scotland. At a time when energy security and the future of Scotland’s energy industry are rightly of huge concern, we should be doing all we can to support the development and growth of the renewable liquid gas industry here in Scotland – creating good, green jobs for the future.”

Source: Rural Services Network

Photo: Rural Services Network