With 18 sessions, 68 inspiring speakers, 99 exhibitors, representation from over 310 companies, and more than 900 attendees, ELGC 2024 was an opportunity to build meaningful dialogue, foster collaboration and innovation and drive the industry forward.
Opening Session
The opening session of the European Liquid Gas Congress set the stage for the discussions over the next two days, emphasizing the importance of the liquid gas and renewable liquid gas industry. The session began with a brief presentation by Jacki Davis, followed by speeches from Ewa Abramiuk-Lété, General Manager, Liquid Gas Europe and Audrey Galland, President of Liquid Gas Europe, who highlighted the significance of the "Festival of Lights" and the industry's commitment to making a difference today to change tomorrow. Julie Fazio, President, France Gaz Liquides speech underscored the region's historical significance as the birthplace of cinema and its current relevance to the LPG market, stressing that decarbonization alone is insufficient and that LPG and bioLPG must remain part of the solution. She noted that customers are ready to decarbonize but are reluctant to bear the costs. In France, 70% of communities are off-grid, highlighting the critical role of LPG. Fanny Lacroix, Vice-President of France's Rural Mayors, spoke on ecological transition and territorial diversity, advocating for collective action to address Europe's challenges. David Dalton, former MEP and senior advisor at Rud Pedersen Public Affairs discussed the political landscape, indicating a shift towards the center-right in Europe, which may affect energy transition policies. The session concluded with a panel discussion, where panelists shared their insights on improving and overcoming the challenges facing the liquid gas industry. Key themes discussed included the critical role of renewable liquid gases and innovative technologies in driving sustainability, the importance of maintaining the affordability and availability of renewable liquid gases while enhancing sustainability, and the need for strong legislation that provides the right incentives and support for a growing industry.
Session 1
The sessions on theSTAGE kicked off with session "Liquid gases: Delivering today & preparing for the heating and mobility future". Francesco Franchi, President and CEO of Green LG Energy, opened with an overview of the business impact of EU legislation, highlighting how the legislative process needs to be collaborative. Marco Seimandi, Independent After Market Vice President at Westport Fuel Systems, continued with a brief overview of legislation being discussed in Brussels and how it impacts the Autogas sector. Silvia Estivil, Head of EU Affairs for SHV Energy, built off of what Marco and Francesco presented and mentioned how important it is for the industry to coordinate with policymakers and other stakeholders, and how Regional and National implementation is now the crucial step of the Fit For 55 package. Romain Ruillard, Chief Executive of HBITA + PG, described the situation in France, particularly discussions in France about a boiler ban. The speakers clarified certain points on the ICE ban and the EU and national steps taken to phase out boilers. Finally, they concluded with a call to policymakers and industry to embrace hybrid heating solutions, recognize off-grid consumers' needs, recognize and produce biofuels and bioLPG, and finally to make the market attractive.
Session 2
The second session of the European Liquid Gas Congress ''Putting off-grid business energy users on the map focused on the unique challenges faced by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in rural areas, particularly those not connected to the gas network and reliant on non-electrifiable industrial processes''. These SMEs often use fuel oil and propane gas (LPG) and aspire to transition to renewable energies, though they are frequently overlooked by public policies. The session addressed the specific needs and expectations of rural SMEs, exploring low-carbon energy alternatives and support mechanisms for their energy transition. Jean-Laurent Nectoux, a consultant in CSR strategy and sustainability and VP at Rossignols, and Jean-Jacques Terrand, Director of Coopérative Fruitière en Val d'Arly, discussed the integration of liquid gases in their businesses and highlighted the shift from natural gas to liquid gas due to cost increases following the Ukraine war, emphasizing the benefits of this transition. They also presented ambitious objectives for 2025, aiming to shift their industry focus from products to services. Alice Francou, Development Region West Director at Antargaz, and Dominique Monnier, Innovation and Public Affairs Director for the De Dietrich brand at BDR Thermea France, discussed the high percentage of off-grid areas in France (94%), biopropane production, and the complexities faced by boiler manufacturers. Denise Saint-Pé, French senator expert in energy and rural issues, stressed the need to improve the image of gas, accelerate the greening of propane gas, and communicate more clearly and convincingly to meet societal demands.
Session 3
During session "Where are we heading to? Renewable liquid gas in Europe in 2030 & beyond", the panel discussed the highly anticipated pathways study being prepared by Liquid Gas Europe. John Taylor, Sustainability Manager at Liquid Gas Europe, presented an overview of the methodology and purpose of the study, as well as a preliminary table describing some initial results. Nikos Xydas, Technical Director at World Liquid Gas Association, described how the study is being done in close collaboration with a similar one being prepared by WLGA. Sophia Haywood, Director of Advocacy and Communications at Dimeta, observed how the study can help the industry to start thinking like investors. Emmanuel Mannooretonil, Director of Sustainable Gas at DCC Energy, remarked that it is important for the sector to first educate itself on where it stands and what is achievable before embarking on the journey to net zero. Giulia Laura Cancain, Secretary General of the European Biogas Association, provided some valuable comparisons to similar projects conducted by the biogas sector, reminding the industry that policymakers want a clear signal from the industry that renewable gases are not a "champagne fuel" anymore. Goher Ur Rehman Mir, Head of Global Sustainable Fuels Policy at Futuria Fuels, also remarked how important the study will be to show policymakers that the industry can push for renewable liquid gases, but only if the right implementing framework is in place. With the study still in the pipeline, the industry is clearly following this very closely and the panel provided them with the opportunity to see that Liquid Gas Europe is working to ensure the study has the strongest possible impact on policymakers.
Session 4
Fabian Ziegler, CEO of DCC Energy, opened the floor for the session on ''Financing Energy Transition by outlining the main challenges facing the bio-liquid gases project, particularly the delays and higher-than-expected costs''. He emphasized the slow pace of projects and noted that biopropane is currently four times more expensive than propane, which has created a challenging investment climate. He stressed the importance of having an honest discussion within the industry to address these issues. Hermano Pereira de Oliveira, Energy Economic and Regulation Senior Director at FTI Consulting, questioned whether relying solely on the market could effectively decarbonize the industry, suggesting that public intervention might be justified depending on industry commitments. Arnaud Cereze, Head of Corporate Finance France at ING Bank, underscored the critical challenges of availability and affordability. Fabian Ziegler reiterated that public intervention could be warranted in some cases, pointing out that 137 million people in Europe are off the gas grid, with their housing and industrial needs differing significantly from urban environments. He cautioned against pursuing an all-electric pathway and emphasized the need for a balanced approach. Arnaud Cereze emphasized that banks require credibility and visibility in the investment framework. He highlighted three pillars: technological viability at commercial scale, industry commitment, and project affordability aligned with net-zero objectives. FTI International acknowledged the additional cost associated with green products, noting the challenge of passing on this cost to consumers. They urged the industry to reduce production costs and suggested that public intervention might be necessary. Hermano reiterated that public intervention is justified in R&D and market deployment stages, contingent on technology maturity. He emphasized the need to define the scope of public intervention. Arnaud Cereze highlighted the role of the European Investment Bank (EIB) in funding companies alongside commercial banks, noting varying risk appetites among financial players. Fabian Ziegler emphasized the importance of using public funds for new technologies rather than subsidizing ongoing operations. He welcomed the UK's initiatives and proposed deep engagement to formulate effective strategies under the new European Parliament. Regional policies were also discussed as potentially interested in these initiatives. Arnaud stressed the comprehensive approach needed for a pathway to net-zero emissions, with competing interests for renewable project funding, including Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). FTI Consulting raised concerns about the cost-effectiveness of off-grid energy subsidies compared to grid energy subsidies. Fabian outlined his support for a net-zero energy system combining molecules and electrons, stressing the need for competitiveness in the liquid gas sector and emphasizing the importance of smart carbon abatement strategies. Arnaud underscored the critical need for stability and clarity in legislative frameworks to support scaling up efforts and ensure continued support for renewable energy initiatives.
Session 5
The session focused on ''Market growth and trends in a globalised world, both for conventional and renewable liquid gases''. Overall, there has been a consistent market growth across regions for decades, with the most growth registered in the Asia Pacific region. The panel, comprising of Paul Westerman, Supply Director at DCC Energy, James Rockall, CEO of WLGA, Tabajara Bertelli Costa, CEO at Ultragaz, Fernando Covas, Executive Director at S&P Global and Ewa Abramiuk-Lété,General Manager at Liquid Gas Europe, analysed the implications that future trends could have in the industry, highlighting what policymakers should do to ensure a just transition and enable the industry’s full potential to contribute to climate goals. Participants agreed that demand and scalability will be impacted by policy developments, making it pivotal that the industry advocate for a safe and stable regulatory environment. The panellists concluded by sharing their top priorities for the industry moving forward, with an overwhelming agreement on the crucial importance of advocacy efforts. These efforts are indeed key to ensuring policymakers clearly understand the role liquid gases, and particularly renewable liquid gases, can play in the decarbonisation journey. This will then enable the industry to deliver reliable energy sources, fit for an energy transition that leaves no one behind.
Closing Session
For the closing session, "Looking ahead – key future trends for the liquid gas industry", we were honored to welcome Deputy Minister of Economy, Digital Development, Digital Transformations and Digialisation of Ukraine, Mr. Oleksii Sobolev. Mr. Sobolev described how Ukraine is working to align its energy network with that of the EU and how Ukraine will begin negotiations on its own National Energy and Climate Plans with the EU. He identified how important the LPG industry is in Ukraine and his main takeaway of the Congress is that the sector is mature and highly competitive. After Mr. Sobolev's introduction, the panel took a moment to describe how liquid gases contribute to national safety and crisis mitigation across the world. The panel was then asked to reflect on the future priorities for the industry. Christos Christofides, General Manager of Veroniki Holding, sees a need for more efficient advocacy to strengthen (national) associations as a serious co-player. Koichi Tanaka, Supply Group Leader of Japan LP Gas Association, wants to see Japan and Europe cooperate in their move towards energy legislation. Markus Dreier, Vice President of Safety and OMS Global LPG at UGI International, highlighted the need for investments in the upstream infrastructure and maintaining a realistic view of what policymakers want to achieve. Finally, Natacha Cambriels, General Manager of Butagaz LG, emphasized the need to be resilient and accelerate activities in developing renewable liquid gases, while ensuring that the advocacy of the sector is heard and recognized.
