Autogas in Europe: The Role of Bulgaria in Driving LPG Adoption and the Future of bioLPG

Autogas or LPG used as automotive fuel, plays a critical role in Europe's ongoing shift toward alternative fuels. With the EU's increasing focus on reducing carbon emissions and promoting cleaner energy solutions, Autogas has emerged as an attractive option for both environmental and economic reasons. In 2023, the Autogas fleet in Europe surpassed 8 million vehicles, highlighting its viability as a sustainable transport fuel. Within this context, Bulgaria stands out as a key player, boasting one of the highest LPG adoption rates in Europe.

European Autogas Adoption: The Broader Picture
According to European Alternative Fuels Observatory data, LPG is the most widespread alternative fuel across the EU. In 2023, approximately 8.2 million passenger cars and 300,000 light commercial vehicles across Europe used Autogas, supplied from a network of 32,000 filling stations. Key markets such as Italy, Poland, and Germany lead in vehicle numbers, driven by tax incentives, infrastructure development, and governmental support for cleaner energy options. Italy, for instance, has one of the largest fleets of Autogas vehicles in the EU, followed closely by Poland and Germany.

The LPG fleet in Europe continues to grow steadily, thanks to the fuel’s cost advantages, lower emissions, and extensive refueling network. Autogas's environmental benefits include a significant reduction in carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions compared to gasoline or diesel, as well as lower nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) and particulate matter (PM), contributing to better air quality, particularly in urban areas.

Bulgaria: A Regional Leader in Autogas Adoption
Bulgaria has emerged as a leader in LPG adoption, being the third country in Europe for Autogas use. This success is the result of several factors:

1. Affordability: In Bulgaria, LPG is significantly cheaper than petrol or diesel, offering great savings This makes it an attractive option for consumers looking to reduce fuel costs.
2. Infrastructure: Bulgaria has a well-established Autogas infrastructure, with over 3,000 refueling stations nationwide, ensuring easy access for LPG users.
3. Government Support: The Bulgarian government provides strong incentives for Autogas adoption, including reduced vehicle taxes and registration fees for LPG vehicles, encouraging individual and commercial vehicle owners to make the switch.

This growing success was a key topic at the 25th Anniversary of the Bulgarian Petroleum and Gas Association (BPGA) held on October 3, 2024. The conference, titled "The Energy Transition in Transport in Southeast Europe," brought together industry leaders, government officials, and experts to discuss the future of LPG in the transport sector. At the event, Ewa Abramiuk-Lété, the General Manager of Liquid Gas Europe, delivered a keynote address on the potential of LPG in supporting the energy transition in transport, particularly in Southeast Europe. Bulgaria's high adoption rate and commitment to expanding its LPG infrastructure was highlighted as a model for other countries in the region.

Autogas in the Context of European Competitiveness and the Draghi Report
The role of Autogas in the energy transition is also tied to the broader debate about European competitiveness, which has come into sharp focus with the publication of the Draghi Report. The report, commissioned by the European Commission and authored by former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, stresses the need for Europe to remain competitive in the global economy while transitioning to greener, more sustainable energy sources.

Autogas supports these objectives as a widely available and cost-effective alternative fuel by providing a transitional energy solution that reduces emissions without requiring large-scale infrastructure changes. In markets like Bulgaria, where Autogas already plays a prominent role, the lessons learned can inform EU-wide strategies to balance economic growth with the urgent need for decarbonization. The expansion of Autogas can help industries remain competitive by lowering fuel costs and complying with evolving environmental regulations, aligning with the Draghi Report's call for smarter, more strategic investments in green energy solutions.

As the 2035 ban on internal combustion engines approaches, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) has raised concerns regarding CO2 targets. In this context, technology neutrality must be the guiding principle of transport policy. This means not solely relying on electrification but also recognizing the role of CO2-neutral fuels, including such solutions as renewable LPG and DME. Embracing a diverse range of technologies will provide flexibility and resilience in meeting Europe’s ambitious environmental goals while securing the automotive sector's future.

The Rise of bioLPG: Investing in Renewable LPG
An exciting development in the Autogas industry is the growing investment in bioLPG, also known as renewable LPG. BioLPG is produced from renewable and sustainable feedstocks such as vegetable oils, animal fats, and waste materials. It has the same chemical composition and physical properties as conventional LPG, which means it can be used as a direct drop-in fuel which can be used without any modifications to existing LPG engines or infrastructure.

What is bioLPG?
BioLPG is a renewable fuel derived from biological sources through various processes, including the hydroprocessing of vegetable oils and animal fats and the fermentation of sugars. It offers several advantages:

• Renewable and Sustainable: Produced from renewable feedstocks, bioLPG reduces emissions and contributes to a circular economy.
• Lower Carbon Footprint: BioLPG can offer up to 80% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to conventional LPG, significantly advancing decarbonization efforts.
• Compatibility: It is chemically identical to conventional LPG, allowing it to be blended with or replace fossil LPG without any changes to vehicles or infrastructure.
• Versatility: BioLPG can be used in all existing applications of LPG, including transport, heating, and industrial processes.

The Role of bioLPG in Europe's Energy Transition
BioLPG represents a significant opportunity for Europe to accelerate its energy transition. By leveraging existing LPG infrastructure, bioLPG can be rapidly deployed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector. Utilizing waste materials and renewable resources also aligns with the EU's circular economy objectives.

Overcoming Challenges and Addressing Misconceptions
While Autogas and bioLPG present clear environmental and economic benefits, some misconceptions remain that hinder wider adoption across Europe. According to the Common Misconceptions about Autogas report by Liquid Gas Europe, one prevalent myth is that LPG is unsafe. In reality, stringent regulations ensure that LPG vehicles and infrastructure meet the highest safety standards. Modern LPG vehicles also offer performance comparable to petrol engines, debunking the notion that LPG compromises vehicle power or reliability.
Education and awareness campaigns are essential to address these misconceptions and inform the public about the benefits of Autogas and bioLPG. By highlighting the safety, performance, and environmental advantages, stakeholders can encourage more consumers and businesses to adopt LPG and bioLPG as viable energy solutions.

In conclusion
As Europe grapples with the dual challenges of maintaining economic competitiveness and meeting climate goals, Autogas and bioLPG offer proven solutions that bridge both needs. Bulgaria's success in promoting LPG as a transport fuel serves as a model for other EU countries, demonstrating that Autogas is economically viable and also crucial for achieving a cleaner, greener future.

The discussions at the 25th Anniversary of the Bulgarian Petroleum and Gas Association and the ongoing debate around the Draghi Report emphasize the importance of scaling up sustainable and cost-effective solutions. With the right policies, investments, and infrastructure, Autogas and bioLPG can play an integral role in reducing emissions and supporting Europe’s competitive edge in the global economy.

By investing in bioLPG, the industry is taking significant steps toward sustainability, offering renewable energy solutions that can seamlessly integrate into existing systems. The combination of Autogas and bioLPG positions Europe to make substantial progress in its energy transition, providing cleaner air, economic benefits, and a viable pathway to achieving long-term climate objectives.

More information about LPG and Bulgaria is available in this video interview (in Bulgarian).

Author: Ewa Abramiuk-Lete, General Manager, Liquid Gas Europe