Liquified Petrol Gas (LPG) has many purposes. It is widely used in transport, industry, and home appliances. Today, LPG can be combined with Fuel Cell micro-Cogeneration and bring efficient heat and electricity to homes not connected to the gas grid. LPG in combination with Fuel Cell micro-Cogeneration reduces energy costs and pollutant emissions in residential areas. Under the PACE project, Fuel Cell micro-Cogeneration units running on LPG will be installed.

In residential buildings, LPG offers several possible applications. The fuel can not only be used to run a gas stove or grill, but also to generate electricity and heat in a house. This makes LPG a beneficial alternative for people living in rural areas without a connection to the gas grid or in landscape and water conservation areas, since LPG is supplied by a tank. This makes LPG particularly attractive to homeowners considering switching from heating oil to gas.

Compared to heating oil systems, LPG heaters can reduce CO2 and pollutant emissions by up to 50%. In addition, they are efficient while saving on energy costs and can also be used in existing buildings. Liquefied petroleum gas is also available from renewable sources such as biogas, strengthening security of supply. Millions of homes across Europe currently use LPG as their heating source in areas beyond the gas grid. It represents a clean, efficient, and modern alternative.

Most of the LPG produced is consumed in countries of origin. This is the case for Germany. Only a small proportion of the nearly 3 million tonnes produced each year in Germany is exported. Moreover, only about a quarter of the LPG used in Germany, is imported. This amounts to 1 million tonnes of LPG, coming mainly from Belgium, Norway and the Netherlands.