Power Generation: The Emissions Shifting Problem
February 28, 2022
Propane power generation solutions that can work as standalone systems or in tandem with renewables, providing a low emissions and resilient alternative solution.
Executive Summary:
Decarbonization across all energy-consuming sectors has seen unprecedented momentum since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis. Popular opinion has been that electrification of everything is the only solution for the climate crisis, with some reliance on biofuels for the hard-to-electrify sectors such as industrial, marine and aviation. Unfortunately, this is a very simplistic one-dimensional proposal for an extremely complex multi-dimensional energy and climate problem. The focus of this article is to look at recent trends in power generation and highlight the benefits of propane power generation solutions that can work as standalone systems or in tandem with renewables, providing a low emissions and resilient alternative solution.
Observations/Recommendations:
- There is a tremendous reliance on diesel generators for residential, commercial and microgrid applications. Sales of diesel generators have significantly increased due to electric grid disturbances caused by severe weather events, exacerbating local air quality concerns.
- Propane can displace diesel generators in these markets and significantly improve local air quality, particularly by mitigating nitrogen oxides and particulate matter.
- Dedicated propane engines and/or renewable propane can facilitate decarbonization. Renewable propane is functionally and structurally identical to conventional propane.
- Combined heat and power solutions offer both power and heat (and/or cooling), while providing significant reductions in nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and carbon dioxide emissions.