Zum Inhalt springenZum Footer springen
EN
DE
GOK-BLOG-Logo

Is liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) a viable energy source for residential and commercial properties in the future?

Category: Home & Commercial

The heating transition raises many questions for property owners: Which energy sources will continue to be permitted in the future? How can efficiency, environmental sustainability and availability be combined? LPG (a mixture of propane and butane) is a versatile solution that has proven effective for both residential and commercial properties. With new legal regulations and the option of using bio-LPG, it remains a strong choice – both now and in the long term.

Titelbild Ist LPG eine zukunftsträchtige Energiequelle für Wohn und Gewerbeimmobilien
Post Views: 91

The heating transition raises many questions for property owners: Which energy sources will still be permitted in the future? How can efficiency, environmental compatibility, and availability be combined? Liquefied petroleum gas (a mixture of propane and butane) is a versatile answer that has proven effective for both residential and commercial properties. With new legal regulations and the option of using biogenic LPG, it remains a strong choice – now and in the long term.

Key advantage: flexible and available

A major benefit of LPG is its independence from fixed supply networks. Especially in rural areas or remote commercial zones where connection to the natural gas grid is often not possible, LPG provides a reliable solution. It can be stored in tanks or cylinders and used directly on site. This flexibility enables a wide range of applications – from heating residential properties to industrial uses and temporary heating on construction sites.

Why LPG will continue to play an important role

The legal framework for the use of LPG has been updated by the legislature through the new Building Energy Act (GEG). Key points that support the long-term viability of LPG include:

  • Integration of renewable energies: LPG heating systems may continue to be installed, but from 2029 they must incorporate a minimum of 15 per cent renewable energy – such as biogenic LPG. By 2040, this share will increase to 60 per cent.

  • Supplementation with biogenic LPG: Biogenic LPG is already available on the market. It is produced from renewable raw materials such as organic residues or vegetable oils and can be used in existing LPG heating systems without technical modifications. This makes the energy source more climate-friendly and sustainable in the long term.

  • Reliable transitional solution: LPG allows for a gradual shift to renewable energies. It offers property owners the opportunity to modernise their systems now without needing to replace them entirely.

Environmental compatibility and efficiency in practice

LPG burns more cleanly than other fossil fuels. Compared to fuel oil, it produces around 15 per cent fewer CO₂ emissions, and combustion takes place with virtually no particulate matter or soot particles. This not only protects the environment but also extends the service life of heating appliances, as fewer residues accumulate.

In addition, LPG heating systems can be ideally combined with renewable energies. A common solution is to link them with solar thermal systems for hot water generation or photovoltaic systems to support heating output.

Im Vergleich mit Heizöl ist Flüssiggas die bessere Form der Heizenergie. Flüssiggas verursacht ca. 15 Prozent weniger CO₂-Emissionen und verbrennt praktisch ohne Ausstoß von Feinstaub oder Rußpartikeln.
Compared to fuel oil, LPG is the better form of heating energy. LPG produces around 15 per cent fewer CO₂ emissions and burns virtually without emitting particulate matter or soot particles.

LPG as a strong solution for the heating transition

LPG stands out for its versatility, environmental compatibility, and future-proof applications. Thanks to clear legal regulations and the availability of biogenic LPG, it remains a reliable energy source that meets the requirements of the energy transition. Property owners can already heat sustainably with LPG today while remaining flexible for future developments.

For further information and support in choosing the right system, it’s worth visiting the DVFG’s Heating Navigator.

LPG vs. natural gas

Unfortunately, even the media often fail to distinguish correctly between LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) and LNG (liquefied natural gas). They are frequently lumped together or, out of ignorance, simply referred to as LPG – even when LNG is actually meant.

Während Erdgas zentral über ein Wärmenetz und Rohrleitungen zu den Verbrauchsgeräten wie Gas-Brennwertgeräten gelangt, ist Flüssiggas eine dezentrale Energieform. Flüssiggas lagert in Tanks oder Gasflaschen und gelangt von dort zu Gasthermen oder Gasherden.
While natural gas is delivered centrally via a heating network and pipelines to appliances such as gas condensing boilers, LPG is a decentralised form of energy. LPG is stored in tanks or gas cylinders and is then supplied to gas boilers or gas cookers.

For clarification: There are significant differences, and this article focuses on LPG – typically a mixture of propane and butane – abbreviated as LPG in English. These distinctions and further details are well explained in this article: https://progas.de/fluessiggas-ratgeber/wissen/unterschied-erdgas-und-fluessiggas.

Author

Editors GOK Blog
The articles are written by specialist authors in the fields of LPG, fuel oil, liquid media, tank management and safety engineering, who contribute their expertise from product management, development, technical customer support, training and standardisation activities. The members of the editorial team have many years of practical experience in the planning, application and further development of technical solutions for the safe supply of LPG and liquid fuels. Several authors are actively involved in specialist committees and working groups of the DVGW, DVFG and figawa, as well as in national and European standardisation committees. The team includes, among others, experts certified in accordance with G 607 and G 608, competent persons in accordance with the TRF, and specialists who contribute to the development and evaluation of technical regulations and industry standards. In addition to providing information about GOK products and solutions, the editorial team focuses on sharing knowledge relating to safety, regulations, maintenance, operation and future technologies in the field of LPG and liquid media.

Share this post

Related articles

No results found.

FAQ – LPG as an energy source

LPG is independent of the natural gas grid, can be stored flexibly in tanks or cylinders, and is ideal for rural areas or remote commercial properties. It is versatile – suitable for heating, hot water supply and even industrial applications.
The Building Energy Act (GEG) ensures the long-term use of LPG, provided an increasing share of renewable energies is integrated. Biogenic LPG is already available and can be used in existing systems without technical modifications.
LPG emits around 15 percent less CO₂ than heating oil and burns almost without fine dust or soot particles. This protects the environment and extends the service life of heating systems.
Yes, LPG heating systems can be ideally combined with solar thermal energy or photovoltaics – for example, to improve the efficiency and sustainability of hot water generation or heating support.
LPG is a mixture of propane and butane stored decentrally in tanks or cylinders. Liquefied natural gas (LNG), on the other hand, is distributed centrally via pipelines. The two energy sources differ clearly in terms of technology and logistics.

You might also find this interesting

This blog will never ask members of the public or unqualified persons to make changes to or fiddle around with technical systems themselves.

In accordance with the Industrial Safety Regulation (BetrSichV), a qualified person must take care of a system which requires monitoring.

A qualified person is someone who has the specific specialist knowledge required. This knowledge is gained by way of a professional apprenticeship, corresponding professional experience or current occupational activity.

Please note that the texts are based on information, regulations and standards for Germany. Please always check the rules and regulations in the relevant country of destination and consult specialists if necessary.