You can use several different kinds of gas for a business to fuel your business’s energy needs, and companies are constantly making choices on what they need to buy to use as fuel.
Do you buy gas in cans? Do you use a branded fuel card? Or do you pay for your fuel when you need it? Business gas quotes may differ depending on the type of gas you are using. So, let’s dive into the different options of business gas available to businesses in the UK.
Natural gas
Natural gas is the most popular form of energy in the UK. It’s a fossil fuel found deep underground, usually in coal or oil shale deposits. The main advantage of natural gas is that it’s easier to transport and store than other fuels.
This means you can transport it via pipelines to power stations, where it’s converted into electricity that you can use to produce heat and power homes and businesses.
Natural gas can also be liquefied, compressed, and stored in high-pressure cylinders for use in vehicles such as buses or trucks.
It’s also an essential source of raw materials for manufacturing fertilizers, plastics, and other products used in agriculture and industry.
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
LNG might be your best option if you want to reduce your carbon footprint or have specific environmental requirements.
It is produced by cooling natural gas to create a liquid state and can be transported more efficiently than traditional gasses. As a result, it has been estimated that LNG could cut carbon emissions by up to 20%.
Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)
LPG is made from crude oil and can be used in cars or trucks, stationary boilers, and furnaces.
It is less volatile than natural gas, so it’s safer to transport over long distances with fewer safety precautions needed during transportation.
However, LPG is more expensive than natural gas, so it may not be suitable if you’re looking for an affordable option.
Biogas
It’s a renewable energy source that doesn’t contribute to climate change or global warming. Biogas is from agricultural waste, specifically food and animal manures, and converted into natural gas that you can use as fuel for vehicles or heating.
Biogas may seem like an unlikely fuel source, but it’s been around for thousands of years. Carl von Linde built the first biogas plant in 1854 in Germany.
Since then, biogas has become popular in many countries worldwide for its ability to provide sustainable energy without releasing harmful gases into the atmosphere.
When bacteria break down organic materials such as sewage sludge and food scraps in an anaerobic (oxygen-free) environment, it generates biogas.
The process generates methane, which is captured and stored as biomethane until it’s ready to be used as vehicle fuel or heat source.
Green Gas
Green gas is a mixture of natural gas and renewable energy. You can use it to power heating systems and cooking equipment, so it’s an excellent choice for businesses that want to reduce their carbon footprint.
There are several types of green gas available in the UK:
Biomethane
Biomethane is 100% plant-based methane that’s collected from anaerobic digestion plants.
Landfill gas
Landfill gas is collected from landfill sites and converted into biomethane before being sold to businesses.
Renewable natural gas
When you convert organic waste into biomethane through anaerobic digestion produces RNG.
This process reduces greenhouse gases by up to 75% compared to fossil fuel sources such as oil or coal, making it an excellent option for reducing environmental impact without compromising efficiency or performance.
Final Thoughts
Companies face the dilemma of choosing the correct gas type for their business needs.
While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, it is essential to consider the different types of gas available and choose the one that would be best for your business.
