Microgrids
A microgrid is a localized energy system that integrates on-site generation, battery storage, and intelligent controls to operate with or without the grid. Propane microgrids provide dependable, on-demand power for facilities that require scalable resilience and long-term energy control.
Stronger Together. Powered by Propane.
Propane-powered microgrids integrate renewables, battery storage, and on-site generation into one coordinated system. Advanced controls optimize performance in real time — maximizing renewable use while ensuring reliable, continuous power. It’s a power play for modern energy design.
Always-On Reliability
Dependable, dispatchable power when solar output drops and batteries are depleted.
Long-Duration Power
Extended runtime without fuel degradation, supported by stable on-site storage.
Smart Sustainability
Lower NOx and particulate emissions than diesel, with renewable propane available as a drop-in option.
Fast, Infrastructure Ready Deployment
No pipeline or transmission expansion required — deployable in remote or grid-constrained regions.
Always-On Reliability
Dependable, dispatchable power when solar output drops and batteries are depleted.
Long-Duration Power
Extended runtime without fuel degradation, supported by stable on-site storage.
Smart Sustainability
Lower NOx and particulate emissions than diesel, with renewable propane available as a drop-in option.
Fast, Infrastructure Ready Deployment
No pipeline or transmission expansion required — deployable in remote or grid-constrained regions.
Renewables Lead
When solar production is strong and batteries are charged, the system prioritizes these lower-emission resources.
Propane Delivers
When renewable output drops, demand spikes, or extended runtime is required, propane provides immediate, dispatchable power — regardless of weather or grid conditions.
With or Without the Grid
Microgrids operate in parallel with the utility under normal conditions, or seamlessly island when needed to maintain uninterrupted performance.
Built to Scale. Designed to Perform.
Microgrids are engineered to serve vastly different load requirements — from small remote sites to large multi-megawatt campuses. Propane supports dependable performance across this full range of applications.
Microgrid Applications by Scale
| MICROGRID TYPE | TYPICAL CAPACITY | COMMON APPLICATIONS | HOW PROPANE SUPPORTS THE SYSTEM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Microgrids | 100 kW – 1 MW | Remote facilities, community buildings, small commercial sites, telecom or edge locations | Provides reliable generation when renewable output fluctuates or batteries are depleted |
| Medium Microgrids | 1 MW – 20 MW | University campuses, hospitals, industrial facilities, municipal systems | Enables islanding, supports peak shaving, and delivers long-duration power during extended outages |
| Large Microgrids | 20 MW – 100+ MW | Data centers, large campuses, manufacturing plants, mission-critical infrastructure | Delivers scalable, dispatchable power for high-load operations and protects against grid volatility |
Typical Capacity: 100 kW – 1 MW
Common Applications: Remote facilities, community buildings, small commercial sites, telecom or edge locations
How Propane Supports the System: Provides reliable generation when renewable output fluctuates or batteries are depleted
Typical Capacity: 1 MW – 20 MW
Common Applications: University campuses, hospitals, industrial facilities, municipal systems
How Propane Supports the System: Enables islanding, supports peak shaving, and delivers long-duration power during extended outages
Typical Capacity: 20 MW – 100+ MW
Common Applications: Data centers, large campuses, manufacturing plants, mission-critical infrastructure
How Propane Supports the System: Delivers scalable, dispatchable power for high-load operations and protects against grid volatility
The Propane Advantage Over Diesel
Diesel has long been the default for backup generation. But as microgrids evolve, propane offers measurable operational advantages.
| CONSIDERATION | PROPANE | DIESEL |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Stability | Does not degrade over time; suitable for long-term storage without conditioning or turnover management | Can oxidize, absorb moisture, and develop microbial growth in storage; often requires fuel polishing and quality management in low-runtime systems |
| Emissions Profile | Lower NOx and particulate emissions; rich-burn systems can achieve CARB distributed generation standards (~0.07 lb/MWh NOx) with three-way catalysts | Higher engine-out NOx and particulate emissions; typically requires SCR systems and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) to meet strict standards |
| Maintenance Requirements | Cleaner combustion with minimal soot production; typically avoids particulate filters and DEF handling | Higher soot production; may require DPF systems, SCR maintenance, and DEF management |
| Long-Duration Runtime | On-site storage supports multi-day operation without fuel degradation concerns | Multi-day runtime possible, but long-term storage requires active fuel quality management to maintain reliability |
| Renewable Pathway | Renewable propane is a drop-in fuel for existing equipment, enabling carbon reductions without system modification | Limited drop-in renewable diesel alternatives available at scale for stationary generation |
| Infrastructure Flexibility | No pipeline or cryogenic systems required; deployable in remote or grid-constrained regions with standard storage tanks | Requires on-site fuel storage and may face stricter urban emissions and storage regulations in some jurisdictions |
Diesel has long been the default for backup generation. But as microgrids evolve, propane offers measurable operational advantages.
Propane: Does not degrade over time; suitable for long-term storage without conditioning or turnover management
Diesel: Can oxidize, absorb moisture, and develop microbial growth in storage; often requires fuel polishing and quality management in low-runtime systems
Propane: Lower NOx and particulate emissions; rich-burn systems can achieve CARB distributed generation standards (~0.07 lb/MWh NOx) with three-way catalysts
Diesel: Higher engine-out NOx and particulate emissions; typically requires SCR systems and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) to meet strict standards
Propane: Cleaner combustion with minimal soot production; typically avoids particulate filters and DEF handling
Diesel: Higher soot production; may require DPF systems, SCR maintenance, and DEF management
Propane: On-site storage supports multi-day operation without fuel degradation concerns
Diesel: Multi-day runtime possible, but long-term storage requires active fuel quality management to maintain reliability
Propane: Renewable propane is a drop-in fuel for existing equipment, enabling carbon reductions without system modification
Diesel: Limited drop-in renewable diesel alternatives available at scale for stationary generation
Propane: No pipeline or cryogenic systems required; deployable in remote or grid-constrained regions with standard storage tanks
Diesel: Requires on-site fuel storage and may face stricter urban emissions and storage regulations in some jurisdictions
Strengthen Your Energy Infrastructure
Every microgrid starts with a smart plan. Connect with a propane power generation expert to evaluate project requirements and explore how propane can support your microgrid strategy — whether you’re designing for resilience, sustainability, or long-term control.
Schedule a MeetingPropane Powers More Than Microgrids
Propane supports a full range of power generation solutions, including prime and standby power, microgrids, combined heat and power (CHP), EV charging, and mobile power. Together, these applications help facilities plan for resilience, improve efficiency, and maintain control across changing energy demands.