The Energy Solution Hiding in Plain Sight By Cinch Munson, Business Development Director, World Liquid Gas Association
Are carbon emissions really the most pressing challenge in energy? The world’s hunger for energy is insatiable, and demand is growing. The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects a 25% surge in global energy demand by 2040, driven by the digital economy, rapid urbanisation, and industrial expansion, especially in emerging markets. Yet, today, billions still rely on (and suffer because of) unsafe, polluting fuels like biomass and coal. And this is not just a challenge for developing economies. Every country, no matter how advanced, needs secure, reliable, and affordable energy to power its industries, transportation, and modern lifestyles. Energy insecurity is not just a barrier to growth; it is a barrier to opportunity and human progress. The demand for affordable, reliable energy is immediate.
The Role of LPG in a World Hungry for Energy
Today, over three billion people rely on LPG for secure, versatile, and scalable energy to power their homes, businesses, and vehicles in places where other energy options simply cannot reach. LPG is the fuel that steps in when the grid fails, when disaster strikes, and when reliable energy is needed most. In a world that needs more energy, we simply cannot afford to discard solutions that are already delivering real benefits. We need more: more energy, more options, more solutions.
LPG is the here-and-now solution. It is a clean-burning, low-emission fuel with a vast global network. It is uniquely positioned to meet today’s energy needs while supporting tomorrow’s climate goals, delivering pragmatic, low-carbon energy without the wait for expensive new infrastructure.
Beyond the Nirvana Fallacy
The future of energy is not just about finding the perfect solution. It is about making realistic, balanced choices that deliver impact today while building towards the breakthroughs of tomorrow. In the push for net zero, it is easy to get caught up in the promise of future technologies, but we cannot ignore the energy realities of today. Even in the most developed countries, grid stability is under pressure, energy costs are rising, and consumers are facing the economic consequences of over-reliance on unreliable power systems. We need a balanced mix that includes proven, scalable solutions like LPG to ensure energy resilience, sustainability, and affordability.
A Trusted, Low-Carbon Energy Choice
LPG provides a reliable, scalable path to reducing carbon emissions today. It already offers a lower carbon footprint than most conventional fuels, with significantly fewer particulate and pollutant emissions. It is portable, versatile, and it goes anywhere, making it invaluable in regions where energy access is a challenge or where clean energy solutions are needed quickly.
But the LPG industry is not standing still. The World Liquid Gas Association’s Global Science Council, a coalition of top-tier researchers, scientists, engineers, and industry leaders, is actively pursuing new technologies to produce more renewable Liquid Gas. These innovations will further reduce the carbon intensity of LPG, reinforcing its role in a low-carbon energy future.
Meeting the Moment
The energy future is shaped by the choices we make today. To meet the growing energy demands of today and the energy mix of tomorrow, we must embrace what works now, what can scale tomorrow, and what can deliver a cleaner future. LPG and renewable Liquid Gas are here-and-now solutions that are already meeting the world’s energy needs in some of the most challenging markets.
Let’s humanise our approach to energy. Let's deliver reliable energy today where it is needed, and build the cleaner, more resilient energy future we need. The solution is already here. Let's make it happen.
For more on Renewable Liquid Gas: www.wlpga.org/key-focus-areas/renewable-liquid-gas