Potential of LPG in tackling air quality and climate change raised in Parliament
Thu 05 November 2015
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A series of Parliamentary Questions to transport minister Andrew Jones and Defra minister Rory Stewart about the role of LPG in tackling local air quality problems and contributing to climate targets have been raised by MP Alex Cunningham.
The questions posed ranged from the potential for LPG to contribute to dealing with local air quality problems to its potential use as a replacement for diesel in different types of fleet.
Mr Cunningham also raised questions about the potential for biopropane and the availability of government support for this fuel.
In a reply on biopropane, Andrew Jones said: "As part of a consultation in 2014 on amendments to the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) the department considered the potential benefits of biopropane in delivering GHG savings. In recognition of this, the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation was subsequently amended to increase rewards for suppliers of that fuel from April 2015."
He also commented that: "As part of the department’s 2014 Clean Vehicle Technology Fund (CVTF) grant scheme, Birmingham City Council were awarded £500,000 to enable the conversion of 80 older black cabs from diesel to LPG which will help improve air quality on some of the most polluted roads. There is a possibility of funding through the current CVTF grant scheme being used to support further LPG conversions in other areas."
On air quality, he said: "The department, working with the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs, have evaluated a range of options for tackling poor air quality; this formed the basis of the Government’s draft air quality plans that recently went to public consultation. Switching to LPG can provide air quality benefits but may not be easily deployed in all vehicle types."
In reply to a question on air quality, Rory Stewart said: "Industry data shows that retrofitting older diesel cars and vans to run on LPG can reduce emissions of NOx (oxides of nitrogen) and particulate matter whilst producing CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions between those of equivalent diesel and petrol engines.
"This solution was used by some drivers to enable them to enter the London Low Emission Zone without charge. Retrofitting to use LPG can also be a cheaper option for drivers than replacing their vehicle with a newer model."
The recently published
Transport Energy Roadmaps, coordinated by the LowCVP in collaboration with the Department for Transport, identified a role for LPG and the "intriguing potential" for bio-LPG (biopropane).
For the full questions and answers, please follow the associated links.
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