Propane: Leading the Way to a More Sustainable Future

RICHMOND (October 17, 2024) — The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is proud to commemorate Clean Energy Month this October. As the month unfolds, PERC is highlighting the pivotal role propane plays in advancing a cleaner, more sustainable future. As the nation works toward decarbonization, propane can be used as a solution for homes and businesses to reduce emissions as a low-carbon energy source.

“Propane is a key player in creating a sustainable energy future,” said Michael Newland, director of agriculture business development at PERC. “There is no single path to decarbonization, but propane’s low emissions profile, reliability, and affordability make it an excellent choice — especially in locations where electrification may not yet be convenient.”

As the demand for reliable energy sources grows, the need for alternatives to diesel-powered generators has also increased, especially in regions prone to severe weather and electric grid disturbances. Propane can reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter emissions, significantly improving air quality in areas where diesel has exacerbated pollution concerns.

Propane is also an excellent option for businesses looking to replace gasoline-powered mowers. Unlike gasoline, propane eliminates the risk of spills that harm grass and contaminate soil, offering both environmental and operational benefits. In addition, propane-fueled mowers reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 17 percent and allow operators to meet stricter local air quality regulations.

While traditional propane is already a cleaner option for many applications, renewable propane takes it a step further without compromising performance or affordability. Derived from renewable feedstocks such as vegetable oil, animal fats, and used cooking oil, renewable propane offers a carbon intensity score between 20.5 and 43.5 grams of CO2 equivalent per megajoule, compared to more than 100 for diesel and gasoline.
PERC encourages businesses, professionals, and industry leaders to look for opportunities to utilize propane for a more sustainable future. By 2050, renewable propane could meet half the world’s demand for non-chemical propane, further cementing its role as a critical contributor to emissions reductions across multiple sectors.

PERC invites everyone to learn more about propane’s contributions to energy equity, environmental responsibility, and economic savings at Propane.com

About PERC: The Propane Education & Research Council is a nonprofit that provides leading propane safety and training programs and invests in research and development of new propane-powered technologies. PERC is operated and funded by the propane industry. For more information, visit Propane.com