LPG powers farming diversification

Monday 12th June 2017

Farming is a vital industry to Britain, with UK agriculture providing more than 60% of the food consumed in the UK. However, with the UK’s exit from Europe and pricing pressure from supermarkets, some farms are looking for ways to expand their businesses in order to survive. Many are opening farm shops, camping facilities onsite, cafes and restaurants to broaden their income.

For farms looking to diversify, LPG offers a futureproof solution to aid their additional revenue-generating businesses. As one of the main off gas grid fuels in the UK, LPG is already a firm favourite within the tourism sector where the fuel is used to heat water for shower blocks on campsites, heat shops and restaurants in rural areas and is an ideal choice for those looking to cook using gas.

As farmers diversify into these areas, LPG gives them the ability to use the same fuel for all their needs. As an efficient and convenient energy, LPG is an ideal solution for farmers for fuelling both the traditional agricultural activities, and for new revenue streams.

As well as the ease of using LPG, for farmers wanting to offer a sustainable proposition to their customers, LPG is much cleaner and greener than alternative off-grid fuels.

Uses of LPG in Farming

Heating greenhouses and keeping livestock warm in sheds and stables
Drying grain and burning weeds
Sterilising milk lines and storage tanks
Gas cooking, baking and curing for rural farm shops, cafes and restaurants
Portable cylinders for resale to campers and caravaners
Heating water for hot showers on campsites

LPG Performance

LPG offers exactly the same functionality as natural gas
With a comparatively high heating value, LPG contains more energy per kilogram than competing fuels
Environmentally, LPG performs well; emitting 20% less CO2 than oil and 35% less CO2 than coal
Low particle and NOx (nitrogen oxide) emissions
Provides immediate, controllable and consistent heat, ensuring constant ambient temperatures for storage

LPG Benefits

As a clean and green fuel, LPG emissions are significantly less than a diesel generator, and noise levels are negligible too, making it not only good news for the environment but for visitors to the farm too
The portability of LPG means it's a flexible solution for use both in agricultural activities and farm diversification.
LPG can be delivered directly to, and stored in, bulk tanks which can be installed above or below ground to suit the farm's individual requirements.
Users can have telemetry systems installed that alert the supplier when fuel needs replenishing.

These benefits have given LPG a proven track record in agriculture as well as other commercial sectors that have intensive high energy needs throughout the year. Farms who already use LPG can simply extend their existing fuel source into the new business areas.

To view more case studies please click here.

By Rob Shuttleworth, Chief Executive, UKLPG