Alternatives to mains gas
When a pub is situated in a non-mains gas area, the licensee will need an alternative fuel for the provision of heating, water heating and, in some cases, catering requirements.
Such fuels include oil, but there are many potential environmental issues attached to the use of heating oil and it is also very prone to theft, which could cause potential disruption and financial loss for a pub business. Of all the fossil fuels available in rural locations, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) offers the lowest CO2 emission rate and emits 11.75 per cent less CO2 than oil.
For those wanting to be as 'green' as possible in their business, LPG can be used in exactly the same way as natural gas in conjunction with many of the latest renewable and low-carbon solutions. For example, LPG works very well with solar thermal water heating technology, where the fuel is used for supplementary water heating.
LPG-compatible solar thermal water heating systems are widely available and grants for this type of scheme can be obtained from the government or through the Directgov ACT ON CO2 through the Enhanced Capital Allowance claim (go to www.eca.gov.uk/etl for more information).
An up-and-coming energy-efficient technology is the latest generation of combined heat and power (CHP) fuel cell boilers, which can be run on LPG or natural gas.
These units offer energy cost savings and low-carbon provision of heating and hot water as well as electricity. Up to 80 per cent of required electricity can be generated for lighting and other appliances in the pub and any surplus power can be sold on to the national grid. This technology will be available to the rural market from 2012 onwards.
As far as catering requirements are concerned, LPG provides a real flame and works in exactly the same way mains gas does, which is an important benefit for pubs, hotels and restaurants, with most professional chefs preferring the controllability and performance of a gas hob. And for pubs offering accommodation and hotels, the provision of cooling in the summer can be equally as important as heating during the winter months. With a limited electricity supply and no access to mains gas, the installation of a gas heat pump can offer an efficient heating and cooling solution.
Laura Luty is bulk market manager at Calor
