Draft:Calor Ireland

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  • Comment: This submission is overly-reliant on the subject org's own website (and the websites of its parent/partner orgs). Not only is notability established through significant coverage in independent sources, but the over-reliance on promotional sources means this title submission reads like an extension of those sources (reading as promotional both in tone and in intent). Contributors wishing to see this title moved to the main/article namespace might want to review WP:NOTPROMO and WP:INDEPENDENT (and indeed the guidelines on declaring possible conflicts of interest and the problems with using LLMs to generate content). Guliolopez (talk) 20:49, 15 October 2025 (UTC)
    • Calor Ireland
    Company typePrivate Company
    IndustryGas
    Founded1937
    Headquarters
    Dublin, Ireland
    Key people
    		Duncan Osborne (CEO)
    ProductsLPG, BioLPG, Cylinders, Bulk Solutions
    ParentSHV Energy Group
    Websitehttps://www.calorgas.ie/

    Calor Ireland is a private energy supplier distributing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and renewable BioLPG to residential, commercial, agricultural, and industrial customers across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Founded in 1937, the company operates three import terminals, one cylinder-filling plant, and six regional depots.[1] Since 1996, Calor Ireland has been wholly owned by SHV Energy Group, a subsidiary of the privately owned Dutch company, SHV Holdings.[2] Although both owned by SHV Energy Group and sharing the Calor brand name, Irish operations are independent from Calor Gas GB.[citation needed]

    History

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    The Calor brand originated in London in 1935, founded by Ritchie Gill after he returned from the United States, where he had witnessed the benefits of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). He established the Modern Gas & Equipment Co., Ltd., later renamed Calor (Distributing) Co., Ltd.[3]

    Calor entered the Irish market in 1937 through Messrs McMullen Ltd., distributing LPG primarily in rural areas where mains gas was unavailable.[4] Early applications included lighting, heating, and cooking. LPG offered a cleaner alternative to oil lamps, particularly in homes that had not yet been electrified.[4] The public's perception of the brand increased when Calor gas was used to fuel the Olympic flame at the 1948 Summer Olympics in London.[4]

    By the early 1950s, Calor took control of its marketing and distribution operations in Ireland. McMullens transitioned to a new venture with the Tholstrup family to distribute Kosangas. Calor began building its Irish infrastructure from scratch, including recruiting a new sales team and establishing supply chains. Meanwhile, Kosangas constructed Ireland's first cylinder filling plant at Jetty Road, Dublin Port.[4]

    Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, both companies expanded their presence. Calor moved into industrial supply, serving the growing demand in the manufacturing and food processing sectors. In 1968, Kosangas was acquired by LPG Limited, and the following year, Calor Gas in Britain was acquired by the Imperial Continental Gas Association.[4] These developments laid the groundwork for a merger between Calor and Kosangas in 1972, resulting in the formation of Calor Kosangas. The new entity established its headquarters on Dublin's Long Mile Road, where the company's HQ remains today.[4]

    The 1970s marked significant growth. Calor introduced the Superser heater, a popular portable butane unit widely adopted in homes, shops, and offices[4]. During the energy crises of the decade, propane became a key fuel source for industrial users, including Waterford Glass (now Waterford Crystal), Irish Sugar (now Greencore Group PLC), and Harland & Wolff shipyard, where the Titanic was built[4]. Commercial sectors also embraced LPG for hotel heating, cooking, and hot water, with early adopters including Ballymaloe House.[4]

    Calor Ireland also began supplying LPG to housing estates using bulk tanks to serve multiple homes, starting with an estate in Craigavon in 1968. By the early 1970s, this model expanded to towns such as Clonmel and Drogheda.[4]

    The 1980s marked further transformation. SHV Energy, part of SHV Holdings, a privately owned Dutch company and one of the world's largest private trading groups, became a shareholder and gradually increased its involvement.[4] In 1987, Calor celebrated its 50th anniversary in Ireland[4]. By 1996, SHV had completed the full acquisition of Calor's Irish operations and introduced a unified management structure for operations across both the Republic and Northern Ireland.[4]

    Innovation remained central to Calor's growth. In 1988, it introduced gas-fired barbecues to the Northern Ireland market..[4] The company played a symbolic role by lighting the opening flame of the 2003 Special Olympics in Croke Park, Co. Dublin.[4] In 2009, Calor Ireland launched its first online customer account management platform, enabling customers to view their account information and manage services digitally[4].

    In April 2018, Calor Ireland became the first supplier to introduce certified commercial volumes of BioLPG to the Irish market.[5] This renewable gas, a by-product of renewable diesel manufacture, allows users to reduce their carbon footprint without modifying their existing LPG systems.[tone][6]

    Recent developments include the widespread installation of telemetry-enabled bulk tanks, electrification of key depot facilities, and a transition to hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO)-powered delivery vehicles as part of Calor Ireland's ongoing decarbonisation strategy.[7]

    Operations in Ireland

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    Calor Ireland operates three main import terminals in Dublin Port, Tivoli (Cork Harbour), and Belfast. These are supported by a cylinder-filling plant in Whitegate, County Cork. Regional depots in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Waterford, Belfast, and Derry enable efficient national distribution. This infrastructure supports both bottled and bulk supply chains, with remote telemetry systems enhancing logistical responsiveness.[4]

    Residential services

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    Calor Ireland supplies LPG to homes in off-grid areas, offering two main delivery systems: bottled gas cylinders and bulk storage tanks. LPG is widely used for central heating, hot water, and cooking. Bulk tanks can be installed above or below ground and are often equipped with remote telemetry systems that alert Calor Ireland when gas levels are low.

    Bottled cylinders are portable and typically used in homes for fires, cookers, and mobile heaters, while bulk tanks are suited to larger, permanent heating systems. Telemetry-enabled tanks enhance reliability and convenience by ensuring timely refills without customer intervention[8]'.'

    Calor Ireland supplies LPG and BioLPG to individual households and residential communities across Ireland. LPG's versatility has made it a preferred choice for rural homeowners, particularly in areas not served by the national pipeline.[9] Calor Ireland's online account system allows users to monitor usage, schedule deliveries, and manage billing efficiently, reinforcing its commitment to accessible energy services.

    Commercial and industrial services

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    Calor Ireland supplies LPG to sectors including hospitality, food processing, logistics, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing. Industrial customers utilise LPG for high-temperature processes, including baking, drying, and steam generation. In the hospitality sector, LPG is valued for its precise cooking control and reliable heating solutions.[10]

    Calor Ireland also provides LPG for forklift fleets and intralogistics vehicles, offering a cleaner alternative to diesel.

    Agricultural use

    [edit]

    In the agricultural sector, Calor Ireland supplies LPG and BioLPG for several key applications. These include crop and grain drying, poultry house heating, dairy water heating, greenhouse climate control, and other farm operations requiring reliable heat.

    LPG is used in static and mobile grain drying systems due to its precise temperature control, which helps preserve grain quality and reduce spoilage. It is also commonly used in poultry farming, where indirect-fired heaters offer a dry, clean heat source that supports healthy bird development. Many poultry farms utilise telemetry-equipped tanks to ensure an uninterrupted fuel supply.[11]

    In greenhouses, LPG provides a consistent and responsive heat source, supporting the cultivation of temperature-sensitive crops. It is also employed for tasks such as crop curing and frost protection.[11]

    Dairy farms rely on LPG for efficient water heating, a process essential for maintaining cleanliness and hygiene. LPG systems offer rapid heat delivery, making them suitable for farms that require large volumes of hot water on demand.[11]

    Because many farms are located in off-grid rural areas, LPG provides a dependable energy solution. Calor Ireland also offers BioLPG as a renewable alternative to conventional LPG, helping agricultural operations reduce their greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining energy reliability.[11]

    Renewable energy- BioLPG

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    Calor Ireland is among the first companies in the world to deliver BioLPG and one of the first markets in Europe to have BioLPG. And in 2018, Calor Ireland became Ireland's first supplier of BioLPG[12]. Derived from sustainably sourced waste and renewable vegetable oils, BioLPG is chemically identical to conventional LPG, enabling seamless integration into existing LPG systems.

    BioLPG offers up to a 80% reduction in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional LPG[13]'.' It supports national decarbonisation goals and forms part of Ireland's Climate Action Plan.

    Calor Direct

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    Calor Direct is a dedicated cylinder delivery service for Northern Ireland, operating from hubs in Londonderry/Derry, Belfast, Lisburn, and Omagh. The service provides next-day delivery and includes a seven-point cylinder safety inspection process to ensure compliance and customer safety[14].

    Community involvement & CSR

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    Calor Ireland has a long-standing tradition of community engagement. From the 1970s to the mid-1990s, it sponsored the Housewife of the Year competition. Other campaigns included Home Economist of the Year, Best Cook in the Defence Forces, and Junior Cook of the Year.[4]

    The company supported equestrian events, hot air ballooning, and local promotions, including the Northern Ireland Dealer of the Year award (1982–1997). In the 1980s, Calor Ireland sponsored a Top Club competition for youth organisations and began supporting Ulster youth rugby players.[4]

    In the 2010s, Calor Ireland sponsored the Environmental Restaurant Award at the Irish Restaurant Awards and local food festivals, including "A Taste of Offaly" and "A Taste of Monaghan".[4]

    From 2012 to 2015, the Calor Community Champion Awards celebrated local volunteers and projects, while the Calor Village of the Year programme supported social cohesion, enterprise, and sustainability in off-grid communities.[4]

    Calor Ireland has also sponsored Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) clubs and other rural development activities and donates to non-profit organisations such as Focus Ireland and the Simon Community during the Christmas season.[4]

    Sustainability & environmental impact

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    Calor Ireland's sustainability strategy is centred on transitioning to renewable energy and reducing the environmental impact of its operations. The company is committed to addressing climate change, improving air quality, and promoting environmental stewardship throughout its business operations.

    Calor Ireland's environmental initiatives include:

    • Fuel transition: Introduction and scale-up of BioLPG, which offers up to 80% lower lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional LPG[15].
    • Cleaner alternatives: LPG and LNG are promoted as lower-emission alternatives to solid fuel and heating oil, helping rural communities and businesses reduce their carbon footprint and improve air quality[15].
    • Fleet upgrades: Transition to hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO)-powered delivery vehicles to reduce emissions from logistics operations.
    • Depot and facility improvements: Installation of LED lighting, rainwater harvesting systems, and other energy-efficient technologies at depots and administrative sites[15].
    • Water, waste and carbon management: Implementation of a structured energy, water, and waste management approach, including efforts to increase recycling and reduce landfill waste[15].
    • Environmental monitoring: Maintenance of an Aspects & Impacts Register, which identifies environmental risks associated with operations and is reviewed annually or following incidents or legal updates[15].
    • Biodiversity support: Participation in the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, including efforts to reduce pesticide use and introduce pollinator-friendly planting schemes at company sites[15].
    • Digital logistics: Use of smart telemetry and vehicle telematics to optimise delivery routes and reduce unnecessary emissions[15].

    Calor Ireland holds the Business Working Responsibility Mark, an Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) accreditation awarded by Business in the Community Ireland and independently audited by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI)[16]'.'

    In February 2024, Calor Ireland participated in the Green Awards, a national platform celebrating innovation in environmental sustainability. The company sponsored the Green Food & Beverage Award and the Green Small Organisation of the Year Award.[17]

    Liquid Gas Association Membership

    [edit]

    Calor Ireland is a member of Liquid Gas Ireland (LGI), the representative association for LPG and BioLPG in the Republic of Ireland. Members include LPG and BioLPG distributors, equipment manufacturers, and service providers. LGI's mission is to ensure that policy makers continue to recognise LPG and BioLPG as the clean, versatile, and alternative lower carbon energy of choice for off-grid energy users in the residential, commercial, industrial, agriculture, leisure, and transport sectors.[18]

    LGI launched a new report in September 2025 'Delivering Net Zero for Rural Ireland – Pathways to Renewable Liquid Gas', setting out how the liquid gas sector can support Ireland's journey to net zero.[19]

    The Association also takes a leading role in safety, setting high standards for the safe, progressive development and use of LPG and BioLPG. LGI is committed to working with consumers, stakeholders, and policymakers to support Ireland's goal to tackle air quality, drive decarbonisation and achieve net zero emissions by 2050.[20]

    Calor also works in cooperation with Liquid Gas UK, the representative body for the LPG industry in the United Kingdom, to support shared goals and regulatory alignment in Northern Ireland.[21]

    Irish Business and Employers Confederation (Ibec) membership

    [edit]

    Calor is a member of Ibec (Irish Business and Employers Confederation), Ireland's largest business representative organisation. IBEC provides a platform for companies to collaborate on shared challenges, including climate action, energy efficiency, workforce development, and innovation.[22] Through this membership, Calor engages with a broad network of Irish businesses and contributes to discussions on national economic policy, energy transition, and regulatory developments.[23]

    Renewable Gas Forum of Ireland (RGFI) membership

    [edit]

    Calor is also a member of the Renewable Gas Forum of Ireland (RGFI),[24] a representative body that promotes the development and integration of renewable gas, such as BioLPG, into Ireland's energy mix.

    RGFI works with gas suppliers, agri-food producers, and policymakers to support the decarbonisation of the gas grid and promote renewable gas solutions in transport, heating, and agriculture.[25] As a member, Calor is aligned with efforts to accelerate Ireland's transition to a circular, low-carbon energy system and to support rural development through sustainable bioenergy solutions.[23]

    References

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    1. ^ "About Calor - LPG Suppliers & Energy Services Ireland | Calor Gas". Calor Ireland. Retrieved 2025-08-19.
    2. ^ "Who we are". SHV Energy. Retrieved 2025-08-19.
    3. ^ "The Calor Group Limited" (PDF). competition-commission.org.uk. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2007-10-22. Retrieved 2025-09-29.
    4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v Oram, Hugh (2012). 75 Years on the Road: A History of Calor Gas. Branded Books. pp. 4–19.
    5. ^ "Calor launches first renewable gas in Ireland". RTÉ. 12 April 2018.
    6. ^ "BioLPG for Business, Renewable Energy For Business | Calor Gas". Calor Ireland. Retrieved 2025-09-29.
    7. ^ "Calor's New LPG Trucks: A Greener & Safer Future | Calor Gas". Calor Ireland. Retrieved 2025-09-29.
    8. ^ "LPG for home | Domestic Energy Supplier | Calor Gas". Calor Ireland. Retrieved 2025-09-29.
    9. ^ ODonnell, David (2021-08-26). "The role of LPG & BioLPG in a 'Just Transition' for rural Ireland". Liquid Gas Ireland. Retrieved 2025-09-29.
    10. ^ "LPG Gas for Commercial and Industry Businesses | Calor". Calor Ireland. Retrieved 2025-09-29.
    11. ^ a b c d "CALOR AGRICULTURE BOOKLET" (PDF). calorgas.ie.
    12. ^ "Calor BioLPG is Ireland's first certified renewable LPG". Calor Ireland. Retrieved 2025-09-29.
    13. ^ "BioLPG". Liquid Gas Ireland. Retrieved 2025-09-29.
    14. ^ "Calor Direct - LPG Cylinder Delivery Across Northern Ireland". Calor Ireland. Retrieved 2025-09-29.
    15. ^ a b c d e f g "Environment". Calor Ireland. Retrieved 2025-09-29.
    16. ^ "Sustainability Leader: Calor Achieves Reaccreditation". Calor Ireland. Retrieved 2025-09-29.
    17. ^ "Green Awards Winners Announced | Calor Gas". Calor Ireland. Retrieved 2025-09-29.
    18. ^ "LPG and BioLPG: A Greener Deal for Rural Ireland" (PDF). lgi.ie. September 2020.
    19. ^ "Delivering Net Zero for Rural Ireland – Pathways to Renewable Liquid Gas" (PDF). lgi.ie. September 2025.
    20. ^ "About Liquid Gas Ireland". Liquid Gas Ireland. Retrieved 2025-09-29.
    21. ^ "Liquid Gas UK | Calor". Calor Gas. Retrieved 2025-09-29.
    22. ^ "Energy Environment Transport - IBEC". sitecore-prd-ne-cd01.azurewebsites.net. Retrieved 2025-09-29.
    23. ^ a b "Stakeholder Engagement Map" (PDF). calorgas.ie.
    24. ^ "Renewable Gas Forum Ireland | Member List". Renewable Gas Forum Ireland. Retrieved 2025-09-29.
    25. ^ "Renewable Gas Forum Ireland | About Us". Renewable Gas Forum Ireland. Retrieved 2025-09-29.
    [edit]

    Categories

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    Energy companies of the Republic of Ireland │Oil and gas companies of the Republic of Ireland │ Companies established in 1937 │Renewable energy in Ireland │Renewable energy companies of Ireland │ 1937 establishments in Ireland │Fuel gas │ Liquefied petroleum gas │Butane │Companies of Ireland