New renewable energy campaign urges government not to forget rural communities

The ‘ready for renewable’ campaign was launched at Labour’s Rural Reception on 28 September 2025. The event brought together rural stakeholders, national press and MPs from the Rural Parliamentary Labour Party (RPLP).

Attendees heard that while UK energy news continues to make headlines, the future needs of rural communities are often overlooked. The ‘ready for renewable’ campaign asks for policymakers to ensure rural areas and their unique energy needs are recognised in the renewable energy transition.

Around 4.4 million households in the UK are off the gas grid and face complex challenges in decarbonising. Research by Liquid Gas UK, the trade association for LPG and bioLPG, shows 36% of UK homes are not suitable for a heat pump often due to structural and financial limitations. In addition, 76% of rural people say they would be supportive of a policy that allows them to continue using their existing boiler on renewable fuels beyond 2035[1].

Francesca Kirtley-Paine, Public Affairs Manager at Liquid Gas UK said: “People need practical, affordable energy choices that reduce emissions while keeping homes warm.

“The difference between what heating system works efficiently for a modern, urban home, versus older off-grid properties is stark.”

Renewable liquid gas solutions, like bioLPG which is chemically identical to traditional LPG, can be used in existing LPG heating systems. For properties using oil or coal, switching to a renewable-ready LPG system is simple and cost-effective. Importantly, bioLPG is made from sustainable sources and can reduce carbon emissions by up to 90%, without the need to invest thousands in costly retrofits.

Nearly 200,000 UK homes currently use LPG with around 25 million litres of bioLPG already being supplied – a figure which is anticipated to grow six times over by 2030.

By 2045, the industry has the potential to create more than 12,500 jobs, supporting several important rural industries such as agriculture, distilling, leisure and hospitality.

Mrs Kirtley-Paine says: “Rural people deserve to have a choice over how to heat their homes, while also reducing their emissions.

“This campaign highlights the availability of alternative decarbonisation options for all, ensuring rural communities are fairly included in the transition and that no one is left behind.”

[1] *Polling was carried out by Focal Data on behalf of Liquid Gas UK. 2,511 people who live in properties not connected to the gas network were surveyed between 1st and 3rd May 2024. Data was weighted based on population to ensure a representative sample.