UGI International Forms Exclusive, Strategic Partnership with bioLPG Producer Ekobenz to Drive bioLPG Availability in Europe

Rhea-AI Summary

UGI International, a subsidiary of UGI Corporation (NYSE:UGI), has formed a supply and development partnership with Ekobenz, a Polish company specializing in bioethanol conversion to bioLPG. This exclusive agreement grants UGI rights to supply bioLPG, a renewable product made from industrial waste, enhancing its sustainable fuel portfolio. UGI aims to decarbonize operations in line with the Paris Agreement and is poised to receive the first shipment of bioLPG from Ekobenz's facility in Poland in spring 2023, marking a significant advancement in sustainable fuel production in Europe.

Positive

• Exclusive rights to supply bioLPG enhances UGI's sustainable fuel portfolio.
• Partnership aligns with EU Renewable Energy Directive II (RED II) guidance.
• First shipment of bioLPG expected to arrive in Sweden, indicating market expansion.

Negative

• None.

UGI International (“the Company”), European subsidiary of UGI Corporation (NYSE:UGI), one of the world’s largest LPG distributors, today announced a new supply and development partnership with Ekobenz, a Polish technology specialist in catalytic conversion of bioethanol to bio-gasoline and bioLPG. Per the terms of the agreement, UGI International has secured the exclusive rights to Ekobenz’ supply of bioLPG, a renewable form of propane-butane produced from advanced bioethanol. The primary raw material to produce bioLPG is the conversion of organic material derived from industrial waste, unsuitable for use in human and animal food chain. The product can be used by all of UGI International’s existing LPG entities operating across Europe, and significantly boosts the company’s portfolio of sustainable fuels.

Ekobenz’ state of the art research facility in Bogumiłów, Poland (Photo: Business Wire)

As well as providing a platform for the growth and wider uptake of bioLPG through UGI International’s strong market presence in Europe, the company is also committed to playing a crucial role in enabling its customers to decarbonise their operations to support the goals of the Paris agreement to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The move also signifies UGI International’s leadership in supporting emerging technologies that have the potential to transform and decarbonise a sector that has been traditionally heavily reliant on fossil fuels. The unique properties of bioLPG mean that it can be easily combined with traditional conventional LPG and used across the same applications, diluting the carbon footprint per litre and offering a greener alternative that can be used in exactly the same way by customers.

Ekobenz is the first and currently only company in Europe that has succeeded in commercialising bioLPG production based on advanced bioethanol produced from waste. The first shipment of bioLPG from Ekobenz’ state of the art research facility in Bogumiłów, Poland, is expected to arrive in Sweden in the spring of this year.

The partnership with Ekobenz is one of several initiatives which support UGI International´s ambition of aligning and, where possible, surpassing those sustainable targets as set in the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive II (RED II) guidance protocol.

What is bioLPG?

Liquifie

FAQ

What is the new partnership between UGI International and Ekobenz?

UGI International has entered into a supply and development partnership with Ekobenz, securing exclusive rights to supply bioLPG, a renewable fuel produced from bioethanol.

What is bioLPG and how is it produced?

BioLPG is a renewable form of propane-butane derived from the catalytic conversion of organic waste into bioethanol, making it a greener alternative to traditional LPG.

When is the first shipment of bioLPG from Ekobenz expected?

The first shipment of bioLPG from Ekobenz's facility is expected to arrive in Sweden in spring 2023.

How does UGI International's partnership with Ekobenz impact their sustainability goals?

The partnership supports UGI's commitment to decarbonization and aligns with the goals of the Paris Agreement, aiming for net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

What are the advantages of using bioLPG?

BioLPG can be combined with traditional LPG, reducing the carbon footprint and providing a greener alternative for customers across similar applications.