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Unpacking Carbon Intensity
As scientists, researchers, and businesses contemplate and introduce innovative technologies to address climate change and the energy transition, it’s important to press forward with solutions that drive the biggest reductions in carbon intensity. Simply put, carbon intensity reflects the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) generated for every unit of energy used. Higher carbon intensity means greater negative impact on the environment.
A wide path approach to decarbonization that includes electrification, propane, renewable liquid fuels, and other clean energy solutions will help reduce harmful emissions faster and offer greater reliability, resiliency, and energy security. Using propane instead of diesel where possible will make our air cleaner and significantly reduce the risk of illness caused by air pollution.
Unfortunately, the electricity produced in the U.S. is not as clean as many Americans may think. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, approximately 60 percent of the U.S. electric grid is still powered by fossil fuels. The cleanliness of the grid varies by state, so it’s important to understand how electricity is being produced regionally.
At last check, the average carbon intensity of the U.S. electric grid was approximately 130 grams of CO2 equivalent per megajoule (gCO2eq/MJ). In comparison, conventional propane has a carbon intensity of 79, and renewable propane has a carbon intensity as low as 20.5 as reported by the California Air Resources Board. Renewable propane is made from waste products such as plant and vegetable oils, animal fats, or used cooking oil.
The energy transition creates an exciting opportunity for the propane industry, which can help customers lower their carbon footprint without compromising affordability, reliability, and resiliency. Propane serves residential and commercial buildings, microgrids and generators, medium-duty transportation, port tractors, and farming equipment. Propane is also expanding its role in power generation and electric vehicle charging because it has a low carbon intensity and requires no connection to the electric grid.
Gary Grimes, Director of Business Development, Sustainability and Technology
“It [carbon intensity] is our only term, frankly,” said Gary Grimes, who leads carbon reduction efforts for World Energy in Paramount, California. World Energy is a leader in the production of sustainable fuels and is making a significant investment in a new biofuel and hydrogen production facility in Paramount. The facility powers some of its operations with renewable propane and sells it for other applications such as transportation.
“The idea of taking a renewable feedstock and converting it to renewable fuel by itself is laudable, but unless you actually measure how much carbon reduction you have versus the fossil fuel equivalent, you’re not necessarily accomplishing the intended goal,” said Grimes.
Carbon intensity should be at the forefront of every discussion about the energy transition. Being open to all energy technology solutions will achieve the greatest reduction in carbon intensity and accelerate results.
Low Hanging Fruit for a City in Need
Just 130 miles down the road from Paramount is Bakersfield, where the continuous buzz of traffic poses a significant health risk to nearby communities, especially young children whose lungs are still developing. The city’s highways are overrun with diesel-powered trucks and buses, which in addition to diesel’s high carbon intensity (91 gCO2eq/MJ), cause pollutants like nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM2.5) to be released into the air.
Smog blankets Bakersfield and Los Angeles. Source: Bakersfield Car Transport
According to the 2024 “State of the Air” report by the American Lung Association, Bakersfield has some of the worst air pollution in the Western U.S., with levels of soot and smog exceeding set limits. For children ages 0 to 17, the rate of asthma-related ER visits in Bakersfield is 159.6 per 10,000 people, as reported by the California Department of Public Health. This number is significantly higher than the state’s average, which is 55.6.
Replacing diesel vehicles with propane would make a significant impact in lowering carbon intensity and improving air quality. Propane is a low-carbon energy source that emits zero methane, very low nitrogen oxides, and almost no particulate matter. In addition, it produces 25% to 35% fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to diesel. This is a shift that can be made today and at a lower cost than electrifying medium-duty vehicles.
However, the problem with Bakersfield’s air quality extends beyond the city’s highway traffic to agriculture and industrial facilities. The city is home to numerous manufacturing facilities, power plants, and oil refineries. In addition, farmers are keeping their crops alive with prolonged use of irrigation pumps and other diesel-powered machinery. The good news is that both industries can be reliably served by propane and renewable propane to help lower carbon intensity and improve air quality.
Knowing there are available solutions that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions today should encourage communities to take more drastic measures to improve the environment and mitigate health risks.
Learning from Oslo
Oslo, Norway is a world leader in the implementation of clean energy sources, and while their transition hasn’t been immune to challenges, they are living proof that transitioning to a clean future is possible. During the past five years, NO2 levels have decreased by 34% and particulate matter (PM2.5) has been reduced by 4% between 2017 and 2022 by utilizing a mix of clean energy solutions including hydropower, wind, and biofuels. Public health has clearly benefited from these advancements, as seen by a discernible decline in pediatric hospital visits linked to asthma.
Bakersfield can follow Oslo’s lead. It is possible for the city to drastically cut harmful emissions by taking advantage of numerous technology solutions – including propane – that can reduce carbon intensity starting today.
Learn more about propane and renewable propane’s environmental benefits.
