Permission granted for pipeline to UK LPG storage facility

Flogas Britain, one of the UK’s leading liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) suppliers, has announced that it has been granted planning permission to construct a gas pipeline from Bristol Port into the nation’s largest above ground LPG storage terminal, at Avonmouth, near Bristol.

Once complete, the pipeline will link the UK to a diverse, global supply of off-grid gas, providing security of supply and enhancing affordability for off-grid logistics businesses and residential customers. It will also play an important role in the decarbonisation of off-grid Britain, in line with the Government’s 2050 net zero target.

With planning permission now in place, Flogas (part of DCC plc) is now actively talking to potential partners from across the entire supply chain, who want to join Flogas in creating a dependable, affordable and greener off-grid fuel supply for the UK.

Flogas is fully committed to meeting net zero targets and securing a low carbon future, so planning approval for the pipeline marks a major milestone for the business. LPG is the cleanest, most efficient conventional off-grid fuel available, and logistics businesses transitioning from oil will benefit from significant carbon savings and improved air quality, as it emits far fewer pollutant emissions.

As well as importing LPG, the pipeline will have the capability to import Bio-LPG, which is a fully renewable green gas alternative. Additionally, it will provide access to emerging sources of renewable fuels not currently manufactured or available in the UK, helping to further future-proof Britain’s supply of low carbon off-grid fuels. 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 through predominantly industrial areas, to the Flogas Avonmouth storage facility. Running safely underground and out of site, the twin-pipeline will vastly increase the availability of LPG and Bio-LPG, enabling up to 20,000 tonnes of commodity to be safely and securely discharged from a ship in 24 hours.

The Flogas Avonmouth Storage facility is the largest of its kind in the UK, with the capacity to store 34,564 tonnes of LPG. Formerly owned by National Grid, the Avonmouth facility was previously only able to store LNG (liquefied natural gas). However, work is currently underway to convert it to an LPG and Bio-LPG storage facility, further strengthening Flogas’ distribution network, and providing customers with an unrivalled off-grid gas supply chain.

Lee Gannon, Flogas Britain’s Managing Director, said: “The granting of planning permission is the final piece in the jigsaw for this ground-breaking project, as we already have the Avonmouth storage facility and agreement in principle from Bristol Port and landowners for the pipeline route.

“This means we’re now perfectly placed to start talking to prospective partners from across the supply chain who want to join us in this venture. Avonmouth offers an excellent collaborative opportunity, one that will provide important access to the global market and enhance security of supply to our off-grid customers. It’s also completely future ready and will be key in helping homes and businesses make that important energy transition to net zero emissions.

“The next phase of design is currently underway and with completion of construction potentially as early as 2025, we will soon have locked in a direct link between our storage facility and world supply of existing and upcoming carbon free fuels.”

Gannon concluded: “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 either 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.”

George Webb, CEO of Liquid Gas UK (LGUK) added: “The new Avonmouth facility marks a significant step in the import and supply of renewable liquid gases here in the UK. The site will enable a much greater storage capacity of LPG and renewable liquid gases, which will in turn will strengthen the supply chain and make a significant contribution to the future resilience of the industry as a whole.

“The new pipeline demonstrates Flogas’s commitment to facilitate the development of renewable fuels in the UK, helping residents and businesses on the road to net zero emissions. It’s fantastic news, and great progress for the decarbonisation of off-grid Britain.”