Article RSS Feed

WLPGA participate in Purvin & Gertz 2010 Asia LPG Seminar

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 11:39:00 GMT

WLPGA Participation in Purvin & Gertz 2010 Asia LPG Seminar 22 – 23 June in Singapore

WLPGA members Purvin & Gertz held their 2010 Asia LPG Seminar in Singapore 22 – 23 June. This highly attended fixture on the LP Gas industry calendar attracts participants and experts from around the world who are interested in the Asia Pacific region which remains the fastest growing market for energy in the world and is expected to continue to expand in the future as regional economies grow, income levels rise and more people gain access to modern fuels.

Asia is expected to continue to grow fairly rapidly over the next few years and this is a very important aspect of the international LP Gas industry. Presentations by key industry executives set the scene for in-depth industry discussions of the key LP Gas market issues in the region. The outlook for future international and regional LP Gas supply, demand, marketing, trade and pricing was included in the many presentations.

WLPGA was represented by Michael Kelly, Director of Market Development who gave a presentation on the development of new LP Gas markets throughout Asia and the work WLPGA is doing with organisations such as the Asian Development Bank as part of the Energy for All (E4 All) Partnership that WLPGA is a founding member of. The E4 All Partnership seeks to provide energy access to 100 million people in Asia and the Pacific Region by 2015.

Chilean National LPG Association - one day seminar “GLP: Energía excepcional al servicio de Chile”

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 11:33:00 GMT

Chilean National LPG Association - one day seminar entitled “GLP: Energía excepcional al servicio de Chile”

WLPGA, in cooperation with the Chilean National LPG Association, GLP Chile, held a one day seminar on 8 June in Santiago entitled “GLP: Energía excepcional al servicio de Chile” (LP Gas: Exceptional Energy for Chile).

The Summit was attended by over 250 representatives of the Chilean LP Gas industry, government and media and included keynote speeches from Ricardo Raineri, Minister of Energy for Chile and María Ignacia Benítez, Chilean Minister of the Environment.

The Summit focused on how LP Gas could help Chile continue its transformation from a developing to a developed nation. Chile became the first South American country to be admitted to the Organziation of Economically Developed States (OECD), the club of the world’s richest countries, in January of 2010.

Discussions during the Summit focused on areas ranging from the need for regulatory changes to incentivise the development of Autogas markets to lower pollution levels in Chile’s cities, to moving populations concentrated in the south of the country that still rely on firewood for cooking, to cleaner, healthier, more efficient LP Gas. There was also recognition by Minister Benítez that in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that struck much of the country in late February of 2010, LP Gas companies continued to operate bringing a much needed source of energy for cooking, sanitation and heating to impacted communities.

WLPGA was represented by Michael Kelly, Director of Market Development who gave a presentation on the clean and low carbon qualities of LP Gas in a quickly changing world and Armando Viçoso, WLPGA Technical Director whose presentation focused on new innovative technologies and applications from around the world that are propelling the LP Gas industry forward.

Antargaz uses the Tour De France to promote its Calypso cylinder

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 11:20:00 GMT

Antargaz uses the Tour De France to promote its Calypso cylinder

By Paul Ladner, UGI

Antargaz, a UGI company and one of France’s leading LPG providers, is an official sponsor of “Le Tour de France 2010“, and has been a Tour sponsor since 1996. This national and international sporting event gathers over 10 million spectators along the roads of France every July. Le Tour de France has a long and important history in France, and is commonly referred to as the greatest free show in the country. For Antargaz it is an important opportunity to develop its brand awareness, and to promote its customer friendly and popular image. Le Tour de France visits the heart of France, which is also the heart of Antargaz’ customer base, traversing through 600 villages where Antargaz customers and contractors live.

In recent years Antargaz has used the Tour to promote a new and successful innovation, the composite made Calypso cylinder. Calypso is lighter, safer, easier to handle and use, and a great replacement for a steel cylinder. Calypso is visible by millions of spectators through the publicity caravan, which includes cars topped with enlarged “mock” Calypso cylinders. Le Tour de France is also an opportunity for Antargaz to entertain nearly 3,000 customers and contractors every year. Antargaz has developed a specific reception facility named “Interétape”, set up every day in small villages along Le Tour de France route. Typically around 150 guests per day are entertained and informed about Antargaz products and services in a relaxed setting, while enjoying Le Tour de France. The entire Antargaz sales force and many other Antargaz staff are involved in the preparation, execution and follow up to this thriving Antargaz tradition.

AAG President Stuart Weidie Introduces U.S. Agriculture Secretary

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 16:23:00 GMT

Alliance AutoGas President Stuart Weidie Introduces U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack at Alternative Fuel Press Briefing and Facility Tour

Asheville, N.C. July 14 – This morning, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack participated in a media briefing and facility tour at Baker Equipment in Richmond, VA, as part of a White House effort to highlight its support of alternative fuel vehicles.

Today’s briefing outlined the progress of the Southeast Propane Autogas Development Program, a partnership between Virginia Clean Cities and Alliance AutoGas, which received nearly nine million dollars in ARRA grant funds through the Department of Energy. Alliance will provide the fueling infrastructure and coordinate AutoGas vehicle conversions in order to meet the program’s goal of implementing nearly 1,200 AutoGas vehicles and more than 20 refueling stations throughout the Southeast U.S.
At the event, Alliance AutoGas president Stuart Weidie detailed the role of Alliance in the grant program before introducing Secretary Vilsack. The secretary, who was also joined onstage by Virginia Clean Cities Executive Director Chelsea Jenkins, applauded the creation of green jobs and diversification of the U.S. Energy portfolio with clean and domestically produced AutoGas.

Alliance AutoGas works with America’s fleets to reduce fuel costs and vehicle maintenance by converting to clean burning AutoGas. With their motto, ‘Don’t change the vehicle, change the fuel,’ Alliance offers a comprehensive alternative fuel solution that can be implemented within existing vehicle fleets, at a much lower cost than new vehicle purchase.
“We were thrilled to be joined by Secretary Vilsack in celebrating this unprecedented AutoGas development program,” said Weidie. “While the future of American energy security will require a diversification of domestic sources, AutoGas is clean, it’s made in America and most importantly, it’s available now.”
Prior to the briefing, the group toured Baker Equipment, one of the certified AutoGas vehicle conversion centers participating in the program. Baker will work with the Alliance team to bring AutoGas technology to both public and private grant-funded fleets.

About Alliance AutoGas

Alliance AutoGas – with founding partners Blossman Gas (the nation’s largest independent propane company) and American Alternative Fuel – provides a turn-key solution that has fleet managers across the country committing to use clean, domestically produced AutoGas. Alliance is a partner in the Southeast Propane AutoGas development Program which received nearly 9 million dollars in ARRA grant funding for AutoGas vehicle conversions and infrastructure. Visit www.allianceautogas.com.
Contact: David Finder, Energy Programs Manager for Blossman Gas at 828.251.0027 or dmfinder@blossmangas.com

GAIN Council Meeting in Marrakech

Fri, 28 May 2010 13:24:00 GMT

Following on from the last Global Autogas Industry Network (GAIN) meeting in Kuala Lumpur in February, this time 40 delegates from around the world came together in Marrakech, Morocco on 18 May 2010 for the second of three yearly GAIN meetings.

A series of presentations were given including a joint case study from Repsol and vehicle manufacturer, Mercedes Benz about Autogas ambulances in Spain. In order to further develop the Autogas market in Spain, Repsol signed an agreement with the National Federation of Ambulance Companies (ANEA) in collaboration with vehicle manufacturer Mercedes Benz, Spain in September 2009.

Inigo Palacio Prada, Chairman of GAIN and Ana Lopez Ballesteros, from Mercedes Benz, Spain at the GAIN Meeting in Marrakech

Just after seven months from signing the agreement, there are now 86 Mercedes Benz ambulances that run on Repsol Autogas which means an average consumption of 774 tons per year.

Ana Lopez Ballesteros, Key Account Manager (Microbuses and Ambulances) from Mercedes Benz said “initially it was very difficult to introduce Autogas into the Spanish market. However I am pleased that our partnership with Repsol has provided a platform to open up the Autogas market in Spain.”

“Our objective is to have 400 to 500 Mercedes Benz ambulances running on Repsol Autogas by 2011. It is imperative for us to continuously work with the Autogas industry to further raise the awareness of Autogas and the many fantastic benefits of this alterative green fuel,” added Lopez.

“There are many benefits of having ambulances run on Autogas. Ambulances running on Autogas are far quieter than regular fuels, as well as providing a significant cost saving” said Inigo Palacio Prada, Chairman of GAIN and previous Autogas Marketing Manager, Repsol. “We still have a lot of work to do to increase the level of awareness about Autogas and continuously work towards getting more refuelling points in place” he added.

Autogas Updates

In an effort to continuously raise the level of awareness of Autogas, the electronic version of the ‘Autogas Updates’ newsletter has been resurrected and the first edition distributed in mid May prior to the GAIN meeting.

New GAIN Chairman

David Tyler, Director of Technology and Business Practices, World LP Gas Association announced at the recent GAIN meeting that Mr Inigo Palacio Prada, current GAIN Chairman will be standing down as Chairman due to an internal move within Reposol. David thanked Inigo for his efforts and commitment over the past 2 years. Inigo’s last GAIN meeting will be at the Madrid Forum in September. David was also pleased to announce that Mr Joël Pedessac from the French LPG Association (CFBP) will become the new Chairman of GAIN and will take up his new position in September.

GAIN Meeting in Marrakech

Post North African Summit

Sat, 22 May 2010 18:21:00 GMT

20th May 2010, Hotel Es Saadi, Marrakech, Morocco

WLPGA North African Summit
LP Gas: Exceptional Energy for North Africa

120 participants from 27 countries attended the first North African Summit

Overview of market conditions in North Africa

Where are the big market opportunities in North Africa and how will these areas be influenced by government regulation, enforcement, pricing policies and infrastructure development?

     Regional Outlook: Ken Otto, Purvin & Gertz
     Egypt, Libya: El Gawish, Mena Tradex
     Tunisia: Alistair Clarke, BG Tunisia
     Algeria: Zerrouri Halim, Gas Link Trader
     Morocco: Nabil Medkouri, Shell Maroc

Subsidies vs. deregulation

This session will look at the issue of subsidies and deregulation of LP Gas markets as well as government policies and enforcement in North African markets, what changes are afoot and how this will benefit the industry in the long term. What examples from other markets exist?

     Alain de Grève, European LP Gas Association (AEGPL)
     N. Benamour, Government of Morocco
     Mrinal Roy, Indian Oil Corporation, India
     Mauricio Jarovsky, Ultragaz, Brazil
     Renzo Bée, Totalgaz, France

Round table discussion: The future of the region

     Tawfiq Hamoumi, Afriquiagaz
     Saïd El Aoufir, Ministry of Energy, Morocco
     Ken Otto, Purvin & Gertz
     Renzo Bée, Totalgaz

We take this opportunity to thank all our Sponsors for this event.

World LP Gas Forum in Madrid: An Historic Event

Tue, 04 May 2010 16:05:00 GMT

4 May 2010 - Paris, France

World LP Gas Forum in Madrid: An Historic Event

The 23rd Annual World LP Gas Forum, to be held this September in Madrid, Spain will be a unique event in many ways. The Forum will consist of a combination of four events in one location: the annual World LP Gas Forum; 2010 AEGPL Congress (European LP Gas Association); the 25th anniversary of the AIGLP Conference (Ibero American LP Gas Association), and the third Global Technology Conference.

Bringing all four of these events together has attracted unprecedented levels of interest. This year’s exhibition space is roughly twice the size of past World Forums and has completely sold out. The conference will be officially opened by several prominent Madrid figures, including the Mayor of Madrid, Alberto Ruiz Gallardón, Executive President of Repsol, Antonio Brufau, and Secretary of State for Climate Change, Teresa Ribera. Participation in the World LP Gas Forum is expected to break previous records and attendees will include industry decision-makers and buyers, government representatives, and global opinion leaders.

“We’re especially excited about this year’s event since it brings together the three major global LP Gas congresses, plus the third Global Technology Conference and a stream dedicated to sub-Saharan LP Gas development - this is an event not to be missed” said James Rockall, Managing Director of the World LP Gas Association. “If you only attend one event this year, this will be the one to attend. We also think that the draw of Madrid, which is spectacular in September, will be a major factor in record attendance” he added.

The World LP Gas Forum Conference will be held at the Palacio de Congresos de Madrid from 28 September to 1 October 2010. The programme also offers a high-impact educational agenda that is a key component in drawing a large number of high-level LP Gas industry professionals.

For more information visit: www.wlpgasforum-aegpl2010.com

-ends-

Note to editors:

The World LP Gas Association (WLPGA) is the authoritative voice of the global LP Gas industry representing all sectors of the industry. The primary aim of the Association is to add value to the sector through driving premium demand for LP Gas, while also promoting compliance with good business and safety practices. It brings together both private and public companies involved in the industry, develops long-term partnerships with international organisations and implements projects on both a global and local scale. The Association was established in 1987 and granted Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council in 1989.

Contact:

Nicki Allitt

Communications Manager

World LP Gas Association

9 rue Anatole de la Forge, 75017, Paris, France

Tel: +33 1 58 05 28 05

Email: nallitt@worldlpgas.com

www.worldlpgas.com

Black Emissions in Asia

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 17:48:00 GMT

5th Argus International LP Gas Conference 2010 – Russia and the CIS

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 10:25:00 GMT

Over 160 delegates attended the 5th Argus International Conference held in Moscow on 22nd and 23rd April 2010 despite the airline problems across Europe.

The main sessions on the first day focused on LP Gas market development, supply forecasting and the sales outlook for traditional markets.

David Tyler, Director of the WLPGA, presented a global overview of LP Gas as an exceptional energy featuring Autogas and Innovation within the industry. He also moderated a round table discussion at the end of the day focusing on what trends and drivers would have the greatest impact on the LP Gas industry over the next 10 years. It was a lively debate with a great deal of interest on further opportunities for Autogas in the region and the latest technological initiatives within the global industry.

The second day focused on the outlook for Marine transportation, opportunities for exports and development of domestic demand in the CIS.

In the last session of the conference there were some interesting initiatives highlighted in the Ukrainian and Russian markets as the Autogas theme continued (photo shows Dmitry Mironov - Deputy Director Sales, Gazernergoset - presenting his paper on Russian Autogas market developments.

Autogas is clearly on the agenda in Russia and the CIS. David encouraged delegates to join the WLPGA, and take advantage of the interaction and knowledge transfer that occurs within the GAIN network group, to help develop their Autogas markets across the Region.

Autogas Update is Back

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 10:22:00 GMT

After a break of several years Autogas Updates is back on the agenda within the WLPGA. Increasing costs forced the initiative to be shelved but it has been resurrected as a result of demand from members.

The new publication will be web based from www.worldlpgas.com with the facility to download in pdf.

David Tyler, who is managing the project, said that

“…the new Autogas Updates will showcase news, events and stories about Autogas initiatives across the world…”

“…we see it as an important tool for members to use in their efforts to introduce and develop their Autogas markets…”

“…we have been keen to bring this publication back as part of our overall communications strategy within the WLPGA…”

“…the decision to have Autogas Updates web based enables us to deliver important information about developments within the Autogas business in a fast and cost effective manner…”

“…the first edition of Autogas Updates will be out in May and we hope to publish it at least every two months…”

Members are encouraged to send their Autogas articles, news and photos for Autogas Updates directly to David at: dtyler@worldlpgas.com

Article RSS Feed

WLPGA participate in Purvin & Gertz 2010 Asia LPG Seminar

WLPGA Participation in Purvin & Gertz 2010 Asia LPG Seminar 22 – 23 June in Singapore

Chilean National LPG Association - one day seminar “GLP: Energía excepcional al servicio de Chile”

Chilean National LPG Association - one day seminar entitled “GLP: Energía excepcional al servicio de Chile”

Antargaz uses the Tour De France to promote its Calypso cylinder

Antargaz uses the Tour De France to promote its Calypso cylinder

AAG President Stuart Weidie Introduces U.S. Agriculture Secretary

Alliance AutoGas President Stuart Weidie Introduces U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack at Alternative Fuel Press Briefing and Facility Tour

About Alliance AutoGas

GAIN Council Meeting in Marrakech

Autogas Updates

New GAIN Chairman

Post North African Summit

WLPGA North African Summit LP Gas: Exceptional Energy for North Africa

Overview of market conditions in North Africa

Where are the big market opportunities in North Africa and how will these areas be influenced by government regulation, enforcement, pricing policies and infrastructure development?

Subsidies vs. deregulation

This session will look at the issue of subsidies and deregulation of LP Gas markets as well as government policies and enforcement in North African markets, what changes are afoot and how this will benefit the industry in the long term. What examples from other markets exist?

Round table discussion: The future of the region

We take this opportunity to thank all our Sponsors for this event.

World LP Gas Forum in Madrid: An Historic Event

World LP Gas Forum in Madrid: An Historic Event

Note to editors:

Contact:

Black Emissions in Asia

5th Argus International LP Gas Conference 2010 – Russia and the CIS

Autogas Update is Back

WLPGA North African Summit
LP Gas: Exceptional Energy for North Africa