“Renewable Liquid Gases Can Reduce Emissions to 90%, and Contribute to Europe’s Climate NeutralityAmbitions” – Ewa Abramiuk, Liquid Gas Europe GM
In this interview, Ewa Abramiuk Lete, General Manager of Liquid Gas Europe (LGE) talks to Ndubuisi Micheal Obineme, Managing Editor of The Energy Republic, about the role of liquid gases in Europe’s energy mix and the potential of renewable liquid gas to reduce emissions to 90%.
Liquid Gas Europe is a nonprofit association that represents the voice of the liquid gas industry in Brussels, Belgium.
In her words, Ewa stated that liquid gases remain a vital energy source for heating, cooking, transportation, and industrial processes, particularly in rural and off-grid areas where alternative energy solutions are less accessible in European countries.
She said European countries consumed over 34 million tonnes of liquid gases in 2023, noting that the liquid gas sector is uniquely positioned to support the EU’s Fit-for-55 targets and its 2050 climate neutrality ambitions. Excerpts:
TER: What’s the current state of the European liquid gas sector and how have the liquid gases evolved over the years?
Ewa: The European liquid gas sector has seen significant evolution over recent years, embracing both conventional and renewable liquid gases to meet the challenges of the energy transition. The sector remains a vital energy source for heating, cooking, transportation, and industrial processes, particularly in rural and off-grid areas where alternative energy solutions are less accessible.
Conventional LPG continues to play a crucial role, with the EU and other European countries collectively consuming over 34 million tonnes in 2023, showing a slight recovery compared to previous years. This was supported by increased demand in the transport sector, particularly in countries like Turkey and Romania, and the resilience of industrial and chemical applications.
Renewable alternatives, such as bioLPG and renewable dimethyl ether (rDME), are driving the sector’s transformation.
In 2023, global bioLPG production capacity grew by nearly 20%, with Europe adding 100,000 tonnes of new capacity in 2024—a 36% year-on-year increase. These renewable fuels offer substantial emissions reductions, with bioLPG achieving up to 80% lower carbon emissions compared to conventional LPG.
The liquid gas sector is uniquely positioned to support the EU’s Fit-for-55 targets and its 2050 climate neutrality ambitions. However, continued growth and innovation require strong policy support, including incentives for renewable gas production and infrastructure investments. With this foundation, the sector can further enhance its contributions to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
TER: The European Union has set an ambitious target of achieving climate neutrality by 2050, with the intermediate action plan to reach 55% emission reduction by 2030 coupled with the recently proposed 90% emission reduction target for 2040. Following these developments, what is the role of liquid gases in Europe’s energy mix?
Ewa: Liquid gases, such as LPG, and renewable options like bioLPG and dimethyl ether (rDME), play a vital role in Europe’s energy transition by providing practical, lower-carbon energy solutions. They are especially important for sectors that are challenging to electrify, including off-grid homes, agriculture, and industrial processes. In rural areas, where alternatives can be costly or inaccessible, liquid gases offer a reliable, affordable way to reduce emissions and contribute to a greener future.
BioLPG significantly reduces carbon emissions—by up to 80% compared to conventional LPG—and can even achieve carbon-negative results when combined with offsetting measures. These fuels are “drop-in” solutions, meaning they can directly replace conventional fuels without requiring expensive changes to existing infrastructure or equipment. For example, bioLPG can seamlessly power heating systems, industrial equipment, and vehicles like those using Autogas, all while lowering emissions.
A recent Liquid Gas Europe initiative, Building Energy Everywhere, showcased how easily these solutions can be adopted. In this project, a care home in Belgium transitioned from traditional LPG to bioLPG. The switch required no additional modifications beyond replacing the fuel, demonstrating how renewable liquid gases can provide an immediate and accessible pathway to decarbonization.
By embracing renewable liquid gases, Europe can make significant strides toward its climate targets, including reducing emissions by 55% by 2030 and 90% by 2040, while ensuring an inclusive and practical transition to a low-carbon energy future.
TER: What are the challenges affecting the European liquid gas sector?
Ewa: The European liquid gas sector is at an exciting crossroads, with opportunities to expand its role in the energy transition through innovative solutions like bioLPG and rDME. Realizing this potential depends on building a cohesive EU-wide policy framework and harmonized national legislation. Clear and supportive regulations can drive investment, facilitate scaling, and accelerate research and development (R&D), unlocking the sector’s ability to deliver accessible, competitive, and renewable energy solutions.
A commitment to technology-neutral policies is equally vital in fostering innovation and ensuring a fair energy transition.
By enabling diverse solutions, including renewable liquid gases, to compete on their merits, policymakers can create an environment where decarbonization is both efficient and inclusive. This approach ensures all viable technologies contribute to meeting the EU’s ambitious climate goals.
With supportive measures such as direct incentives for production and R&D, along with a focus on technology neutrality, the liquid gas sector is well-positioned to thrive. Together, these actions can create a robust framework that empowers the sector to make a meaningful contribution to Europe’s energy transition and long-term climate neutrality targets.
TER: In the third quarter of 2024, the European Liquid Gas Association published its latest manifesto, calling on the EU to ensure “a just energy transition for all” that allows all citizens to take part in the decarbonization of the economy by 2050. As General Manager of Liquid Gas Europe, what’s your perspective on the European emission reduction targets? Do you think liquid gases have been fully supported and integrated into the European energy mix?
Ewa: The Liquid Gas Europe Manifesto highlights the critical need for a balanced and inclusive energy transition, ensuring that no community is left behind.
Liquid gases, particularly renewable options like bioLPG and rDME, provide practical, scalable solutions to decarbonize sectors that lack easy access to alternatives. Their unique versatility makes them essential for supporting Europe’s ambitious climate targets while addressing the needs of rural and off-grid areas.
While progress has been made, more can be done to fully integrate liquid gases into the European energy strategy. Targeted incentives for renewable gas production and clearer legislative pathways are key to unlocking their potential. Equally important is fostering innovation through collaboration between policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers.
The liquid gas sector is committed to helping Europe meet its 2030 and 2050 goals. By prioritizing inclusive policies and investment in renewable technologies, we can ensure liquid gases remain a pivotal part of the energy transition, driving sustainability and resilience across Europe.”
TER: What would you recommend as a strategy for both the European government and industry players to focus on in terms of liquid gas development going forward?
Ewa: To accelerate the development of liquid gases, governments, and industry players must adopt a collaborative approach that positions renewable liquid gases like bioLPG and rDME as key enablers of Europe’s decarbonization goals. These renewable fuels provide immediate, scalable solutions to reduce emissions while leveraging existing infrastructure, making them practical for both urban and rural areas.
A technology-neutral policy framework is essential to ensure renewable liquid gases are integrated into national and EU-level strategies alongside other renewable energy sources. This approach promotes fair competition and maximizes innovation across all viable technologies.
Targeted measures, including incentives for scaling production, investment in R&D, and simplified regulatory pathways, will further drive competitiveness and accessibility. Governments should also prioritize the energy needs of rural and off-grid communities, where liquid gases offer a reliable and cost-effective decarbonization pathway.
By aligning policies, fostering innovation, and addressing diverse energy needs, the liquid gas sector can significantly contribute to Europe’s 2030, 2040, and 2050 climate targets while supporting an inclusive and just energy transition.
TER: What are the key drivers to accelerate the European liquid gas market growth opportunities?
Ewa: The growth of the European liquid gas market is driven by several key factors that align with the region’s broader decarbonization goals. Stable demand from off-grid households, industrial applications, and the transport sector underscores the essential role of liquid gases in providing energy solutions where electrification is challenging. At the same time, the production of renewable options like bioLPG is being bolstered by their integration as by-products of SAF and HVO production, which are scaling rapidly to meet EU climate targets.
Supportive policies are crucial to unlocking the market’s potential, with technology-neutral regulations and financial incentives driving investment in renewable liquid gas technologies. Innovation in biorefinery processes and feedstock utilization is also advancing the scalability and accessibility of these renewable fuels. Additionally, increasing public awareness of the environmental and economic benefits of renewable liquid gases is encouraging adoption and expanding the market.
Together, these drivers are positioning liquid gases as a vital component of Europe’s energy transition, supporting sustainability and inclusivity while contributing to the EU’s ambitious climate goals.
TER: What are the opportunities in Europe’s liquid gas sector in terms of international trade and business development?
Ewa: The European liquid gas sector presents significant opportunities for international trade and business development, particularly in the realm of renewable liquid gases such as bioLPG and renewable dimethyl ether (rDME).
The recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between SHV Energy and DCC Energy exemplifies this potential. This collaboration aims to promote the development of renewable liquid gases, focusing on sustainable production and widespread commercial adoption.
The European liquid gas sector is poised for growth through international collaborations, technological advancements, and a commitment to sustainability. By leveraging these opportunities, the industry can play a pivotal role in the global energy transition.
TER: Please could you provide more insights about the Liquid Gas Europe (LGE) association’s business and partnership opportunities available for local and international industry players?
Ewa: Liquid Gas Europe provides unparalleled business and partnership opportunities for both local and international industry players in the liquid gas sector.
As the leading advocacy platform for the industry in Brussels, we connect stakeholders across the value chain, including national associations, distributors, suppliers, and innovators, fostering collaborations that drive growth and innovation.
Through our membership, businesses gain access to a vibrant network of industry leaders and policymakers, creating opportunities for strategic partnerships, joint ventures, and knowledge exchange.
We organize exclusive events, such as the European Liquid Gas Congress, breakfast briefings, and thematic workshops, which serve as high-impact platforms to showcase innovations, explore market opportunities, and build long-term collaborations.
Our expert-led working groups provide a forum for members to co-develop solutions on critical issues like sustainability, safety, and energy efficiency. By participating, businesses can directly influence industry priorities, contribute to best practices, and form alliances with like-minded organizations.
Moreover, Liquid Gas Europe offers visibility and positioning opportunities through our communication channels, reports, and campaigns, helping members strengthen their presence in both European and global markets. Whether you’re looking to expand your network or influence key decisions shaping the industry, Liquid Gas Europe provides the connections and tools to achieve these goals.
TER: Interestingly, Liquid Gas Europe successfully hosted the 2024 European Liquid Gas Congress (EGLC) in Lyon, France. What are the key takeaways from this year’s ELGC?
Ewa: The 2024 European Liquid Gas Congress (ELGC) in Lyon was a resounding success, bringing together over 390 organizations, 110 exhibitors, and more than 60 expert speakers from across Europe and beyond.
The event highlighted the pivotal role of renewable liquid gases in achieving a sustainable energy transition, emphasizing their contribution to the EU’s Fit-for-55 package and 2050 climate neutrality goals.
Key discussions revolved around pressing topics such as financing challenges, evolving policy frameworks, and technological innovations. The Congress also featured three dynamic networking events, fostering valuable connections and partnerships among industry leaders, policymakers, and experts.
We were thrilled to see such strong engagement and collaboration throughout the event, which reaffirmed the commitment of stakeholders to drive forward the renewable liquid gas agenda.
As we turn our attention to ELGC 2025 in Katowice, Poland, we aim to build on the successes of Lyon and deliver an even more impactful and forward-looking event.
TER: How are preparations going on for ELGC 2025? What should we be expecting from ELGC 2025 in Poland?
Ewa: Preparations for the 2025 European Liquid Gas Congress (ELGC) in Katowice, Poland, are well underway, building on the strong success of the 2024 event in Lyon. Scheduled for May 20–22, 2025, the event promises an engaging program with updated formats, expanded exhibitions, and hands-on workshops.
Key topics will include governance, market trends, sustainability, and the critical role of renewable liquid gases in the energy transition.
The registration process is now open, allowing attendees to secure their place early and begin planning their participation.
Additionally, submissions for the AWARDS—our annual celebration recognizing innovation and leadership in the liquid gas sector—are now open. This initiative highlights outstanding achievements in areas like sustainability, safety, and technological advancements, further promoting excellence within the industry.
We’re excited to bring together global stakeholders in Katowice to discuss the future of energy and to foster partnerships that will drive innovation and growth.
For more information and updates, we encourage you to visit the official European Liquid Gas Congress website – www.europeanliquidgascongress.com
