A New Future For LPG In Australia

In this article, I will examine the rise and fall of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) as a vehicle fuel in Australia.

I will also explore broader issues of vehicle emissions and sustainable transportation alternatives, along with the need for LPG to become popular again, potentially more popular than it ever was previously.

The 8 Main Points I Intend To Make With This Article Are:

1.    LPG’s Initial Popularity: LPG gained significant traction in Australia during the early 2000s, driven by government incentives, environmental benefits, and cost-effectiveness.

2.    Infrastructure Development: The LPG boom led to widespread adoption in the automotive sector, with over 600,000 vehicles converted and substantial investment in infrastructure.

3.    Decline of LPG Usage: Despite its initial success, LPG usage has sharply declined due to the removal of government incentives, the introduction of excise tax, changing consumer preferences, and advancements in competing technologies.

4.    Current Emissions Landscape: Australia currently lags behind many OECD nations in vehicle emissions standards and fuel quality, presenting challenges but also opportunities for improvement.

5.    Emerging Alternative Fuels: Alternative fuel sources such as syngas and synthetic fuels offer potential solutions for reducing vehicle emissions and dependence on traditional fossil fuels.

6.    Internal Combustion Engine Adaptability: The internal combustion engine continues to demonstrate adaptability and potential for improvement, particularly with alternative fuels and hybrid systems.

7.    Cleaner LPG as a Transitional Fuel: Innovations in cleaner LPG technologies, such as renewable LPG and bioLPG provide a viable option for reducing emissions from existing petrol vehicles, making it an important transitional fuel.

8.    A Call for Comprehensive Action: To effectively reduce vehicle emissions and create a sustainable transportation sector, Australia must develop a long-term national strategy that includes investing in cleaner technologies, implementing stricter standards, providing incentives for adoption, and engaging the public.

The journey of LPG in Australia offers valuable lessons for future clean transportation initiatives.

By embracing innovative solutions like cleaner LPG technologies alongside electric vehicles and other alternatives, Australia can significantly reduce its vehicle emissions while fostering economic opportunities.

The path forward requires commitment from all stakeholders; government, industry and us citizens to transform Australia’s transport sector into a model of sustainability and efficiency.

The time for action is now; let’s seize this opportunity and then Australia can pave the way forward for a cleaner, healthier future for future generations.

Table Of Contents:

1.0 Introduction: The Rise and Fall of LPG in Australia.

2.0 Understanding LPG and Its Benefits.

3.0 The LPG Boom in Australia.

4.0 The Decline of LPG: What Went Wrong?

5.0 Current State of Vehicle Emissions in Australia.

6.0 Alternative Fuel Sources: Syngas and Synthetic Fuels.

7.0 The Internal Combustion Engine: Adaptability and Potential.

8.0 Cleaner LPG as a Transitional Fuel.

9.0 Conclusion: Embracing a Cleaner Future.

1.0 Introduction: The Rise and Fall of LPG in Australia.

Australia’s relationship with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as a fuel has been anything but smooth. 

We began with a lot of enthusiasm, did an excellent job with the implementation, and have now let it fade away in a subsequent decline.

This journey reflects broader challenges in addressing vehicle emissions and transitioning to cleaner energy sources.

In the early 2000s, LPG emerged as a promising alternative to conventional petrol and diesel fuels.

The Australian government, recognizing its potential to reduce emissions and decrease reliance on traditional fuels, actively promoted LPG conversions through generous subsidies.

This initiative gained significant traction, particularly in the taxi industry, elevating Australian taxis to among the cleanest in the world.

LPG offered several environmental advantages over conventional fuels:

1.    Lower carbon dioxide emissions.

2.    Reduced particulate matter.

3.    Virtually no sulfur content, resulting in cleaner burning.

These benefits made LPG an attractive option for both environmentally conscious consumers and businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

However, despite its initial success, LPG usage in vehicles has seen a marked decline in recent years.

This shift raises important questions about the future of alternative fuels in Australia and the country’s approach to reducing vehicle emissions.

I will be exploring the history of LPG in Australian transportation, the factors that led to its decline and investigate potential pathways forward.

By understanding this journey, we can gain valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in creating a more sustainable transportation sector in Australia.

As I delve into this topic, I will discuss not only the past and present of LPG but also explore emerging technologies and alternative fuel sources that could play a crucial role in Australia’s clean energy future.

Through this examination, I aim to contribute to the ongoing dialogue about how Australia can best address its vehicle emissions and move towards a cleaner, more sustainable transportation system.

2.0 Understanding LPG and Its Benefits.

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is a versatile and efficient fuel source that has played a significant role in Australia’s energy landscape.

To fully appreciate its impact and potential, it’s essential to understand what LPG is and the benefits it offers.

2.1 What is LPG?

LPG is a flammable hydrocarbon gas that becomes liquid when pressurized. In Australia, LPG primarily consists of propane, while in other countries, it may also contain butane. It is derived as a by-product of natural gas processing and crude oil refining.

2.2 What Are The Key Benefits of LPG?

Environmental Advantages:

·        LPG produces up to 15% less CO2 emissions compared to petrol and diesel.

·        It burns cleaner, with lower particulate emissions, making it better for air quality.

·        LPG has a lower carbon footprint compared to many other fossil fuels.

Cost-Effectiveness:

·        LPG is often more affordable than other energy sources, potentially leading to lower power bills.

·        Despite being slightly less efficient than petrol, LPG’s lower price can result in 40-50% savings in fuel costs.

·        Efficiency and Performance:

·        LPG has a high calorific value, providing significant energy when burned.

·        It offers instant heat and precise temperature control, particularly beneficial for cooking.

Versatility:

·        LPG can be used for various applications including cooking, heating, hot water systems, and as an automotive fuel.

·        It’s suitable for both residential and commercial use.

·        Accessibility and Portability:

·        LPG is easily transportable in cylinders, making it accessible even in remote areas.

·        Australia has a well-established LPG infrastructure with over 3,000 outlets.

Safety and Reliability:

·        LPG systems are designed with safety features and are subject to strict regulations.

·        It provides a reliable energy source, not subject to power outages like electricity.

2.3 LPG in Australian Homes.

·        LPG has found widespread use in Australian households:

·        Over 2 million Australian homes rely on LPG for indoor cooking, hot water, and heating as of 2021.

·        It’s particularly popular for cooking due to its instant heat and precise temperature control.

·        LPG-powered appliances often require less maintenance compared to other fuel types.

Understanding these benefits helps explain why LPG gained such popularity in Australia, particularly in the automotive sector.

However, as we’ll explore in later sections, various factors have led to changes in LPG usage patterns over time.

3.0 The LPG Boom in Australia.

The early 2000s marked a significant period for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in Australia, characterized by rapid adoption and government support.

This section explores the factors that contributed to the LPG boom and its widespread implementation across the country.

3.1 Government Initiatives and Subsidies.

The Australian government played a crucial role in promoting LPG as an alternative fuel:

1.    Generous subsidies were introduced for LPG vehicle conversions.

2.    Tax incentives were offered to encourage both private and commercial vehicle owners to switch to LPG.

3.    Public awareness campaigns highlighted the environmental and economic benefits of LPG.

3.2 Expansion of LPG Infrastructure.

The boom period saw significant investment in LPG infrastructure:

·        The total investment in LPG infrastructure reached $3.2 billion.

·        Australia developed 15 LPG sources, 13 coastal terminals, and 174 regional depots.

·        The number of LPG service stations expanded to 3,189 across the country.

·        Widespread Adoption

LPG usage expanded across various sectors:

·        Automotive Sector: Over 600,000 light vehicles were converted to run on LPG.

·        Residential Use: Nearly 2 million Australian households adopted LPG for cooking, heating, or hot water.

·        Commercial Applications: Over 50,000 businesses and 300,000 forklift trucks switched to LPG.

3.3 Regional Impact.

LPG became particularly important in regional Australia:

·        It provided a flexible and portable energy solution for areas without access to natural gas networks.

·        LPG offered a cleaner alternative to traditional fuels, supporting regional businesses in reducing their carbon footprint.

·        The combined use of LPG as both a stationary and transport fuel improved its economic viability in regional areas.

3.4 Environmental Considerations.

The shift towards LPG was partly driven by environmental concerns:

·        LPG vehicles produced lower emissions compared to petrol and diesel counterparts.

·        The adoption of LPG aligned with Australia’s growing focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

3.5 Economic Factors.

Several economic factors contributed to LPG’s popularity:

·        LPG was significantly cheaper than petrol, offering substantial savings for vehicle owners.

·        Australia’s position as a net exporter of LPG ensured a stable domestic supply.

·        The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARE) forecasted LPG production to double by 2030, promising long-term availability.

The LPG boom in Australia demonstrated the country’s capacity to rapidly adopt alternative fuel technologies when supported by favorable policies and infrastructure development.

This period set the stage for LPG to become an integral part of Australia’s energy mix, particularly in the automotive and residential sectors.

4.0 The Decline of LPG: What Went Wrong?

Despite its initial success, the use of LPG as a vehicle fuel in Australia has experienced a significant decline in recent years.

This section explores the various factors that contributed to this downturn.

4.1 Removal of Government Incentives.

One of the primary reasons for LPG’s decline was the withdrawal of government support:

·        The LPG Vehicle Scheme, which provided rebates for LPG conversions, was discontinued in 2014.

·        This removal of financial incentives made LPG conversions less attractive to vehicle owners.

4.2 Introduction of LPG Excise.

The government’s fiscal policy changes had a significant impact:

·        In 2011, an excise tax was introduced on LPG autogas, starting at 2.5 cents per litre.

·        This tax has increased annually, reaching 12.5 cents per litre by 2015.

·        The excise reduced the cost advantage that LPG previously held over petrol and diesel.

4.3 Decline in Local Vehicle Manufacturing.

The Australian automotive landscape changed dramatically:

·        Ford and Holden, the main manufacturers of LPG vehicles in Australia, ceased local production around 2016.

·        This led to a significant reduction in the availability of new LPG-compatible vehicles.

4.4 Changing Consumer Preferences.

Market trends shifted away from LPG:

·        Sales of large family sedans, which were often converted to LPG, declined sharply.

·        Consumer preferences moved towards smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles and SUVs.

4.5 Advancements in Petrol and Diesel Engines.

Competing technologies improved:

·        Newer petrol and diesel engines became more fuel-efficient.

·        This reduced the comparative advantage of LPG in terms of running costs.

4.6 The Rise Of Alternative Technologies.

New eco-friendly options emerged:

·        Hybrid vehicles, particularly models like the Toyota Camry, filled the gap left by LPG vehicles.

·        The growing interest in electric vehicles further diminished the appeal of LPG.

4.7 Infrastructure Challenges.

The LPG refueling network began to shrink:

·        As demand decreased, many service stations removed their LPG pumps.

·        This created a “chicken and egg” problem, where fewer LPG vehicles led to fewer refueling options, further discouraging LPG use.

4.8 Statistical Evidence of Decline.

The numbers clearly illustrate the downward trend:

LPG vehicle numbers peaked at approximately 500,000 in 2013.

·        By 2023, this number had fallen to just over 200,000.

·        The number of service stations offering LPG decreased from about 3,500 to 2,900 in just a few years.

4.9 Impact on Conversion Industry.

The decline affected related businesses:

·        LPG conversion workshops saw a dramatic drop in business.

·        Some reported going from converting five vehicles per week to just one per year.

The decline of LPG in Australia serves as a case study in how quickly an alternative fuel can lose ground when faced with a combination of policy changes, market shifts and technological advancements.

This experience offers valuable lessons for the future of alternative fuels and the importance of sustained support and infrastructure development.

5.0 Current State of Vehicle Emissions in Australia.

Australia’s approach to vehicle emissions has lagged behind many other developed nations, resulting in higher levels of pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector.

This section examines the current state of vehicle emissions in Australia and the regulatory landscape surrounding them.

5.1 Emissions Standards.

Australia’s emissions standards for vehicles have fallen behind:

·        As of 2023, Australia is one of only six OECD nations without specific automobile emissions regulations.

·        The current minimum standard for new light vehicles in Australia is ADR 79/04, which is based on the Euro 5 standards.

·        Many countries have already moved to stricter Euro 6 standards, which Australia has yet to fully adopt.

5.2 Carbon Dioxide Emissions.

The carbon footprint of Australia’s vehicle fleet remains high:

·        In 2019, the average new light vehicle sold in Australia produced 181 grams of CO2 per kilometre (g/km).

·        This figure is significantly higher than in many other developed countries.

·        Light vehicles account for around 11% of Australia’s total greenhouse gas emissions.

5.3 Air Pollutant Emissions.

Vehicle emissions continue to be a major source of air pollution:

·        Motor vehicles remain a significant contributor to air pollutants, especially in areas with high traffic density.

·        These pollutants include carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), and volatile organic compounds (VOC).

·        The health impacts of these emissions include increased risks of heart and lung disease, cancer, and other respiratory illnesses.

5.4 Fuel Quality.

Australia’s fuel quality standards have also fallen behind:

·        Australian fuel quality is among the poorest in the developed world, with high sulfur content in petrol.

·        This poor fuel quality is a barrier to adopting more advanced engine technologies and emissions control systems.

5.5 Regulatory Developments.

Recent initiatives aim to improve Australia’s vehicle emissions standards:

·        Three new Australian Design Rules (ADRs) based on Euro 6d standards for light vehicles are set to be phased in from December 2025.

·        These standards will apply to newly approved light vehicle models from 1 December 2025 and all new light vehicles from 1 July 2028.

·        Improved fuel quality standards are also being implemented, focusing on reducing aromatics in ‘premium unleaded’ (95RON) petrol.

5.6 Potential for Improvement.

Studies indicate significant room for improvement:

·        The National Transport Commission estimates that if Australian consumers bought the most efficient vehicle in its class, CO2 emissions for new light vehicles could be substantially lower.

·        Implementing stricter emissions standards could lead to significant reductions in both greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants.

5.7 Economic and Health Implications.

The broader implications of vehicle emissions in Australia:

·        Higher emissions contribute to increased health costs due to air pollution-related illnesses.

·        Australia’s less stringent standards may limit its ability to import the latest, most efficient vehicle models available globally.

The current state of vehicle emissions in Australia presents both challenges and opportunities.

While the country has fallen behind in emissions standards and fuel quality, recent regulatory developments suggest a move towards aligning with international best practices.

However, significant work remains to be done to reduce the environmental and health impacts of vehicle emissions in Australia.

6.0 Alternative Fuel Sources: Syngas and Synthetic Fuels.

As Australia seeks to reduce vehicle emissions and transition to cleaner energy sources, alternative fuels such as syngas and synthetic fuels are gaining attention.

These fuels offer potential solutions to the challenges faced by traditional fossil fuels and could play a significant role in Australia’s future energy mix.

6.1 Syngas: A Versatile Intermediate.

Syngas, or synthesis gas, is a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen that serves as an important intermediate in the production of various fuels and chemicals:

·        It can be produced from a variety of sources, including coal, biomass, and waste materials.

·        Syngas is versatile and can be used to create a range of products, including methanol, synthetic natural gas, and liquid fuels.

6.2 Methanol from Syngas.

The University of Western Australia (UWA) has been researching the production of methanol from syngas:

·        Methanol is considered an excellent hydrogen carrier, easily manufactured from renewable resources.

·        It can be readily converted to hydrogen at the point of use or used directly as a clean, low-carbon transport fuel.

·        The UWA project aims to develop a miniaturized process technology for synthesizing renewable methanol from biomass pyrolysis syngas.

6.3 Synthetic Fuels (Synfuels).

Synthetic fuels, derived from syngas, offer several advantages:

·        They can be produced using the Fischer-Tropsch process, which converts syngas into liquid fuels.

·        Synfuels can be used in existing internal combustion engines with minimal modifications.

·        They have the potential to significantly reduce lifecycle CO2 emissions compared to fossil fuels.

6.4 BioLPG and Renewable LPG (rLPG).

The LPG industry is exploring renewable alternatives:

·        BioLPG is a byproduct of biodiesel and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production using the Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) process.

·        Renewable synthetic LPG (rLPG) is made from green hydrogen and CO2 taken from the atmosphere, resulting in a zero-impact fuel.

6.5 Production Potential in Australia.

Australia has significant potential for producing these alternative fuels:

·        The CSIRO’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel Roadmap indicates that Australia has enough feedstock to produce approximately 5 billion liters of SAF annually.

·        This production could be shared among some 30 facilities across the country, with bioLPG as a byproduct.

6.6 Challenges and Opportunities.

While these alternative fuels show promise, there are several challenges:

·        Infrastructure development is needed to support production and distribution.

·        Cost competitiveness with traditional fuels remains a concern.

·        Public awareness and acceptance of new fuel types will be crucial for widespread adoption.

The development of syngas, synthetic fuels, and renewable LPG alternatives represents a significant opportunity for Australia to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and decrease vehicle emissions.

As research progresses and production scales up, these fuels could play a crucial role in Australia’s transition to a cleaner energy future.

7.0 The Internal Combustion Engine: Adaptability and Potential.

Despite the push towards electrification, the internal combustion engine (ICE) continues to demonstrate remarkable adaptability and potential for improvement, particularly in the context of alternative fuels and emissions reduction.

7.1 Adaptability to Alternative Fuels.

Internal combustion engines generally adapt well to various fuel types:

·        Multi-Fuel Capability: Modern ICEs can be designed or modified to run on a variety of fuels, including petrol, diesel, LPG, natural gas, and biofuels.

·        Hydrogen Compatibility: Research is ongoing into hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engines, which could offer a clean-burning alternative to traditional fossil fuels.

7.2 Technological Advancements.

Enhancing the efficiency and reducing the environmental impact of ICEs:

·        Compact Design: Toyota, Subaru, and Mazda are developing new 1.5L and 2.0L engines with significantly reduced volume and height, improving vehicle aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.

·        Improved Efficiency: Ongoing research focuses on reducing cooling losses and improving thermal efficiency in combustion engines.

·        Adaptive Fuel Control: Advanced systems can adjust fuel delivery based on engine performance, potentially reducing emissions and improving efficiency under various conditions.

7.3 Emissions Reduction Potential.

ICEs are evolving to meet stricter emissions standards:

·        Lower CO2 Emissions: The shift to alternative fuels like LPG can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 15% compared to petrol engines.

·        Particulate Matter Reduction: Advanced combustion technologies and fuel systems are helping to reduce particulate emissions, especially in diesel engines.

·        NOx Reduction: Improved engine management systems and after-treatment technologies are significantly reducing nitrogen oxide emissions.

7.4 Integration with Hybrid Systems.

ICEs play a crucial role in hybrid vehicle technology:

·        Hybrid Synergy: The combination of ICEs with electric motors in hybrid vehicles offers a balance of efficiency and performance.

·        Range Extension: In plug-in hybrids, ICEs provide extended range capabilities, addressing the limitations of pure electric vehicles.

7.5 Future Potential.

The internal combustion engine continues to evolve:

·        Carbon-Neutral Operation: Research into carbon-neutral fuels like e-fuels and biofuels could allow ICEs to operate with net-zero carbon emissions.

·        Advanced Materials: The use of new materials and manufacturing techniques could further reduce engine weight and improve efficiency.

·        Smart Engine Management: AI and machine learning technologies could optimize engine performance in real-time, further reducing emissions and improving efficiency.

7.6 Challenges and Considerations.

While ICEs show continued potential, there are challenges to address:

·        Stringent Emissions Regulations: Meeting increasingly strict emissions standards requires ongoing technological innovation.

·        Competition from Electric Vehicles: The rapid development of electric vehicle technology presents a significant challenge to ICE development.

·        Public Perception: Changing public opinion about the environmental impact of ICEs may affect their future adoption and development.

The internal combustion engine, despite facing challenges from alternative technologies, continues to demonstrate significant adaptability and potential for improvement.

Its ability to run on a variety of fuels, including potentially carbon-neutral options, combined with ongoing efficiency improvements, suggests that ICEs will remain a part of the automotive landscape for the foreseeable future.

The key to ICE longevity will most likely be their ability to meet increasingly stringent environmental standards while maintaining the performance and dependability that have made them the dominant propulsion technology for over a century.

8.0 Cleaner LPG as a Transitional Fuel.

LPG already offers several environmental advantages over traditional unleaded petrol, but there is indeed potential to make it even cleaner and more sustainable.

8.1 Current Advantages of LPG.

·        LPG engines generally produce lower emissions of carbon monoxide compared to petrol engines.

·        They emit fewer toxic air contaminants like benzene and 1,3-butadiene.

·        LPG has a lower carbon footprint compared to many other fossil fuels.

8.2 Comparing LPG To E10 Unleaded Petrol.

LPG vehicles generally produce fewer emissions compared to E10 petrol vehicles, making them a cleaner alternative.

Below is a comparison table (links to source data provided).

·         Carbon Dioxide (CO2): LPG provides a 28% improvement over E10 Unleaded.

·         Carbon Monoxide (CO): LPG provides a 50% improvement over E10 Unleaded.

·         Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): LPG provides a 50% improvement over E10 Unleaded.

·         Particulates : LPG provides a 50% improvement over E10 Unleaded.

LPG Particulates Versus Diesel (Australian Quality):

Given the typical poor quality of diesel in Australia, the average diesel would approximately produce 0.15 g/km of particulates.   This means that LPG vehicle is roughly a 93% improvement over a diesel engine vehicle.

8.3 Pathways to Cleaner LPG.

·        Renewable LPG (r-LPG): Technologies are being developed to produce LPG from renewable sources, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.

·        BioLPG: This is produced as a by-product of biodiesel production, offering a more sustainable alternative to conventional LPG.

·        Renewable Dimethyl Ether (rDME): This can be blended with LPG up to 20% without requiring equipment changes, further reducing emissions.

·        Advanced Production Methods: Techniques like gasification, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, and pyrolysis can produce cleaner LPG from waste materials and biomass.

8.4 LPG as a Transitional Fuel.

·        Drop-in Replacement: Cleaner LPG variants can be used in existing infrastructure without significant modifications, making it an ideal transitional fuel.

·        Immediate Impact: Converting petrol vehicles to LPG, especially with these cleaner variants, could provide a significant and immediate reduction in emissions.

·        Bridging Technology: While the world transitions to fully zero-emission technologies like electric vehicles, cleaner LPG could serve as an important intermediate step.

8.5 Advancements in LPG Engine Technology.

·        Dual-Fuel Engines: Development of engines that can switch between LPG and conventional fuels, offering flexibility and improved efficiency.

·        Emission Reduction: Modern LPG engines with proper catalytic converters can achieve very low emissions, comparable to or better than modern petrol engines.

8.6 Challenges and Considerations.

·        Infrastructure Development: While LPG infrastructure exists, expanding it to support widespread adoption would require investment.

·        Public Perception: Educating the public about the benefits of cleaner LPG technologies would be crucial for adoption.

·        Policy Support: Government incentives and regulations would be needed to encourage the transition to cleaner LPG technologies.

LPG, especially its renewable and bio-based variants, seem to present us with a very viable option for reducing emissions in the short to medium term.

While it may not be the ultimate long-term solution, it could and probably should play a crucial role in reducing emissions from the existing fleet of petrol vehicles as the world transitions to zero-emission technologies.

The key lies in continued research and development to make LPG production and use as clean and efficient as possible.

9.0 Conclusion: Embracing a Cleaner Future.

As I’ve covered with this article, the story surrounding LPG in Australia is a complex one with quite a few twists and turns.

When we look at the broader landscape of vehicle emissions, it is clear to me that the path to clean vehicular transportation will be multifaceted and will further evolve over time.

The potential for cleaner LPG technologies offers a promising bridge between our current reliance on fossil fuels and a future of zero-emission vehicles.

For the short to medium term, I believe our goal should be Very Low Emissions Vehicles rather than Zero Emissions Vehicles, but I do see the possibility of zero emissions in the future.

Key Insights From This Article.

1.    Learning from History: Australia’s experience with LPG demonstrates both the potential for alternative fuels and the importance of consistent policy support.

2.    Urgent Need for Action: With Australia lagging behind in vehicle emissions standards, there’s a pressing need for comprehensive strategies to reduce our transportation carbon footprint.

3.    Innovative Solutions: The development of cleaner LPG variants, such as renewable LPG and bioLPG, presents an opportunity to significantly reduce emissions from existing vehicles.

4.    Transitional Approach: While electric vehicles represent a long-term solution, cleaner LPG can serve as a crucial transitional technology, offering immediate emissions reductions.

5.    Adaptability of Existing Technology: The internal combustion engine’s ability to adapt to cleaner fuels showcases the potential for incremental improvements alongside revolutionary changes.

So, What’s The Way Forward?

To effectively target a nation full of Very Low Emissions Vehicles (VLEV) and create a more sustainable transportation sector, Australia should:

·        Invest in research and development of cleaner LPG technologies and other alternative fuels.

·        Implement policies that support the adoption of cleaner fuels, including incentives for vehicle conversions and infrastructure development.

·        Gradually tighten emissions standards to encourage the uptake of cleaner technologies.

·        Develop a comprehensive strategy that includes a mix of solutions: cleaner LPG, all diesel engine vehicles to be running on B50 blend biodiesel, hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles (once solid state battery technology is perfected).

·        Engage in public education to increase awareness and acceptance of cleaner transportation options.

A Call for Balanced Progress.

The journey towards Very Low Emissions Vehicles requires a balanced approach.

While we zero-emission technologies is the future target, we cannot ignore the potential for significant immediate improvements through transitional solutions like cleaner LPG.

By embracing a diverse range of technologies and approaches, Australia can make meaningful progress in reducing vehicle emissions while preparing for a fully sustainable future.

As we move forward, it is critical to remain adaptable and open to new solutions.  We must also be open to reflecting upon on what we have done in the past to reduce emissions and determine whether we now have better technology to make those options work to their full potential.

I believe this is very much the case with LPG; if we applied the same zeal we have shown with renewable energy options to making LPG (or a variant of it) a means of achieving VLEV, I have little doubt that we could create something incredible.

The story of LPG in Australia teaches us that success in sustainable transportation requires not just technological advancement, but also consistent policy support, infrastructure development and public engagement.

Sure, the road to a cleaner, more sustainable transportation future is complex, but with a commitment to innovation, evidence-based policy and a willingness to embrace transitional technologies, Australia can significantly reduce its vehicle emissions and become a VLEV global leader.

The time for action is now, so let’s seize this opportunity to create a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for all Australians.