New LPG facility to boost local economy and provide a cleaner, more secure fuel supply
Flogas Britain, one of the UK’s leading liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) suppliers, has been granted planning permission to construct a gas pipeline from Bristol Port into the UK’s largest above ground LPG storage terminal, at Avonmouth, near Bristol.
The storage facility, formerly owned by National Grid, has been a feature of the local landscape for several decades, and was previously only able to store LNG (liquefied natural gas). Giving it a new lease of life, Flogas is converting it into an LPG and green gas storage facility, with the capacity to store 34,564 tonnes. It’s set to bring a significant and welcome boost to the local economy each year and will generate a host of local employment opportunities, including 50-100 construction jobs, as well as roles at Bristol port and the Avonmouth facility.
With completion expected in 2025, the pipeline will link the UK to an unparalleled supply of off-grid gas, providing a secure and futureproof supply for off-grid homes and businesses across the UK. It will also play a vital role in creating a lower carbon future and meeting the Government’s legally binding net zero emissions target.
LPG is the cleanest, most efficient conventional off-grid fuel available, and those switching to LPG from oil benefit from significant carbon savings and improved air quality as it emits far fewer pollutant emissions.
“The Bristol Port Company is delighted to be engaged with Flogas as the import facility for LPG and future fuels. The project reinforces the Port’s role as a safe, secure site for importing fuels by pipeline, thus removing the need for road or rail transportation. This project secures existing and further job opportunities with Flogas’ Avonmouth-based national training centre closely aligning with Bristol’s own work in training young people for the modern working environment” – David Brown, Chief Executive of Bristol Port.
Not only will Avonmouth provide a dependable supply of LPG, but it will also have the capability to import Bio-LPG – a fully renewable green gas alternative. It will also provide access to emerging renewable fuels not currently manufactured or available in the UK, helping to further futureproof Britain’s fuel supply.
There will be clear affordability benefits too, as access to global markets will increase supplier options, and reduce the UK’s reliance on its diminishing refinery network.
Starting at Bristol Port with a new, state-of-the-art unloading facility, the pipeline will largely follow existing pipeline routes away from residential areas through predominantly industrial zones to the Flogas Avonmouth storage facility. Running safely underground and creating no visual impact, the twin-pipeline will vastly increase the availability of LPG and Bio-LPG, enabling up to 20,000 tonnes to be safely and securely discharged from a ship in 24 hours. It will also eliminate the need for hundreds of road tanker visits to fill the facility.
“The granting of planning permission is the final piece in the jigsaw for this ground-breaking project. We already have the Avonmouth storage facility and agreement in principle from Bristol Port and landowners for the pipeline route. “The facility is set to give the local community a great economic boost, bringing £millions to the area each year, along with a host of employment opportunities. Once operational it will provide security of supply to off-grid Britain, plus it’s completely future ready too. This means its fully compatible with renewable fuels and will be able to support homes and businesses as they make the important transition to a lower carbon future. “As an energy supplier that is committed to meeting net zero targets, we fully support heat pumps and other renewable power supplies, but for many off-grid homes and businesses, they can be unsuitable or unaffordable. For these customers, LPG is the perfect off-grid transition fuel away from oil, and this pipeline will increase its affordability and supply.” – Lee Gannon, Flogas Britain’s Managing Director.
