Scottish Gas industry demonstrates 'renewable ready' capabilities to support rural transition

Two senior Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) visited a major gas distribution facility in Bathgate to see how Scotland's liquified petroleum gas (LPG) industry is 'renewable ready' – demonstrating that existing energy infrastructure can seamlessly transition to support rural communities' low-carbon heating needs.

Shadow Housing Minister, Meghan Gallacher MSP, and Shadow Energy Minister, Douglas Lumsden MSP, toured the JGas facility, one of Scotland's largest LPG distribution centres, with Managing Director of JGas, Alan Elliott. They explored how the industry is preparing to deliver renewable liquid gas alternatives to ensure rural Scotland isn’t left behind in the net zero transition.

The visit highlights a crucial issue facing rural communities while urban areas may transition to heat pumps, around 19% of Scottish households—approximately 512,000—are not connected to the gas grid. Many of these homes, particularly those that are rural and complex-to-decarbonise, need alternative low-carbon solutions that work with existing heating systems and don't require costly property modifications.

The MSPs were welcomed by representatives from the trade association Liquid Gas UK to learn more about how the industry is investing in a renewable future.

George Webb, Chief Executive of Liquid Gas UK, said:

“The LPG supplied at JGas here in Bathgate will contribute to the energy security of rural Scotland for decades to come, with the company investing for a renewable future. We are pleased to welcome Meghan Gallacher and Douglas Lumsden here today to show them the full capabilities of this exciting new technology.”

The Bathgate site supports over 10,000 domestic, agricultural, commercial, and leisure users throughout regions across the central belt of Scotland, including parts of England, and is actively preparing for a renewable future.

Meghan Gallacher commented:

“Ahead of the publication of the SNP’s Heat in Buildings Bill it is essential Ministers consider a range of solutions to decarbonise homes.

“Whilst heat pumps may be the answer for some properties, for many homeowners, particularly in our rural communities, a heat pump is simply unaffordable and unsuitable.

“It was therefore hugely exciting to learn more about the role that renewable liquid gases could play in decarbonising Scotland’s homes and businesses.”

There is infrastructure development underway at the Bathgate site to accommodate bioLPG and renewable dimethyl ether (rDME), key renewable-ready liquid gases, with solar panels already installed and HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) in stock.

Douglas Lumsden added:

“We were delighted to be given the opportunity to see first-hand the future of renewable gas production in the heart of Scotland.

“At a time when energy security and the future of Scotland’s energy industry are rightly of huge concern, we should be doing all we can to support the development and growth of the renewable liquid gas industry here in Scotland – creating good, green jobs for the future.”

As the industry advocates for a practical, mixed-technology approach to achieving net zero, the JGas site at Bathgate provides a real-world example of how businesses can futureproof their operations.