New Jersey’s Bet on Propane Trucks Amid the Energy Shift

While discussions about trucking’s energy shift often revolve around diesel, hydrogen, and battery power, New Jersey is placing its bets on another option: propane. At the Port Newark Container Terminal (PNCT), a fleet of propane-powered tractors is making a compelling case for this fuel in the logistics sector.

Propane’s Role in New Jersey’s Trucking
The PNCT, a major player in the sprawling Port Newark-Elizabeth Marine Terminal, recently initiated a fleet of propane-powered tractors, tasked with moving containers between ships and trains. This initiative isn’t just local talk; it reflects a significant investment in propane supported by recent data that underscores the abundance of propane in the U.S. Despite this abundance, our country exports a significant portion of its propane, suggesting a missed opportunity for domestic use, particularly in sectors like trucking.

In April, the U.S. produced nearly 2.4 million barrels of propane daily, yet exported over 1.6 million barrels. This stark contrast between production and export highlights propane’s potential for expanded domestic use, especially in transportation.

Why Propane?
Propane offers several advantages, particularly for operations like PNCT. It’s not only abundant but also supports environmental goals with lower emissions compared to diesel. Propane trucks at PNCT are part of a broader strategy to reduce the environmental impact of port operations, aligning with global efforts to curb emissions in industrial activities.

The conversion to propane is also economically appealing. Despite higher initial conversion costs, propane’s overall operational savings on fuel and maintenance make it a viable alternative. It emits 97% to 98% lower nitrous oxide than diesel and significantly reduces particulate matter and greenhouse gas emissions.

Challenges and Opportunities
While propane is not a zero-emission technology, its environmental benefits are compelling. It falls short under California’s Advanced Clean Fleets rule, which aims for zero-emission vehicles by 2045. However, Tucker Perkins, president of the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), argues that propane’s efficiency and lower emissions provide a strong case for its inclusion in future energy plans.

The potential for renewable propane further enhances its appeal. Derived from processes that use animal fats and vegetable oils, renewable propane aligns with the growing demand for sustainable fuel options.

Looking Ahead
The shift from diesel to propane in trucking isn’t just about meeting regulatory demands; it’s about rethinking fuel economics in the face of environmental challenges. Perkins emphasizes that the move towards renewable fuels like propane isn’t just beneficial for the environment; it supports a holistic improvement among all stakeholders – from shareholders to local communities.

As New Jersey demonstrates with its propane-powered fleet, the transition to alternative fuels in trucking is not only possible but also practical and beneficial. This initiative could serve as a model for other states and industries, proving that with the right approach, propane can be a key player in the current energy shift.