Tag: Cleaner Future

The Evolution of Propane: A Green Revolution in Energy

For over a century, propane has been an integral part of American households and businesses, providing reliable energy for various applications. Originating from Walter O. Snelling’s groundbreaking research, propane gained popularity as a versatile fuel for blowtorches, stoves, and other equipment, with the first bobtail trucks hitting U.S. roads in 1929. By 1945, propane sales… Continue reading The Evolution of Propane: A Green Revolution in Energy

For over a century, propane has been an integral part of American households and businesses, providing reliable energy for various applications. Originating from Walter O. Snelling’s groundbreaking research, propane gained popularity as a versatile fuel for blowtorches, stoves, and other equipment, with the first bobtail trucks hitting U.S. roads in 1929. By 1945, propane sales had soared to 1 billion gallons, showcasing its widespread adoption.

Today, we are witnessing a new chapter in the propane saga with the advent of renewable propane gas (rPG) and innovative, eco-friendly blending products like renewable dimethyl ether (rDME). These advancements promise to retain the benefits of conventional propane while significantly reducing its carbon impact, approaching zero emissions.

Refinery Power: A Sustainable Co-Product

Similar to the origins of conventional propane as a byproduct of oil refining, renewable propane currently emerges as a co-product of biodiesel production. Biorefineries, where much of the rPG is generated, are utilizing this renewable propane to power the biodiesel production process, a sustainable alternative to conventional energy sources like natural gas.

Research conducted by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory for the Propane Education & Research Council indicates that recovering and selling rPG can present substantial revenue opportunities for biorefineries, with rapid capital recovery payback periods, sometimes as short as two months.

Propane Autogas: Driving a Cleaner Future

Transportation contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, making the adoption of alternative fuels essential. Propane autogas emerges as a compelling alternative for light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicles, with approximately 60,000 autogas vehicles already on the road, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Compared to gasoline or diesel, conventional propane boasts significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions, with a carbon intensity score of only about one-fifth. Making the switch to autogas is not only environmentally friendly but also cost-effective, especially in comparison to transitioning to an electric vehicle fleet. The Renewable Fuel Standard Program further incentivizes producers of renewable propane autogas, enhancing their revenue streams.

Renewable Propane’s Growing Footprint

Renewable propane is gaining traction in various states, with retailers catering to residential and commercial customers in Oregon, Washington, New York, Vermont, and beyond. Currently employed in 16 states, the use of renewable propane is expected to expand as its benefits become more apparent.

Incentives for adopting this green fuel are abundant, particularly for existing propane-fired equipment that requires no modifications. The Inflation Reduction Act, offering tax credits for fuel with a carbon intensity rating below 47.4 gCO2eq/MJ after 2024, aligns well with renewable propane’s generally low score of around 20.

Home and business owners are increasingly seeking low-emission energy solutions without the exorbitant costs associated with electrification. The future holds immense opportunities for fuel producers, wholesalers, retailers, and their customers, with the U.S. production capacity for rPG and innovative blends expected to reach 277 million gallons by 2027.

As we witness the green revolution in energy, propane continues to evolve, offering a sustainable and efficient alternative for a cleaner, more environmentally-friendly future.

Why Propane Buses Are the Smart Choice for Colorado Schools?

Adapted from an article in The Denver Gazette by Dan Binning, Executive Director of the Colorado Propane Gas Association, and Tucker Perkins, President and CEO of the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC). Across the United States, the push to remove diesel school buses from the roads and replace them with cleaner alternatives is gaining… Continue reading Why Propane Buses Are the Smart Choice for Colorado Schools?

Adapted from an article in The Denver Gazette by Dan Binning, Executive Director of the Colorado Propane Gas Association, and Tucker Perkins, President and CEO of the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC).

Across the United States, the push to remove diesel school buses from the roads and replace them with cleaner alternatives is gaining momentum. Colorado is no exception, with plans to allocate $24 million in state and federal funds to introduce 67 electric buses across 12 school districts. However, while electric buses garner attention, a more immediate and cost-effective solution deserves consideration: propane buses.

Propane buses offer several compelling advantages that can benefit Colorado’s schools, children, communities, and the environment. Environmental justice, ensuring clean, affordable, and reliable energy and air quality for all communities, is at the heart of this choice.

Firstly, think back to the diesel school buses of your youth. What comes to mind? Likely, it’s the fumes and noise. Unfortunately, the situation hasn’t changed much. Conversely, propane buses eliminate the black smoke associated with diesel emissions and significantly reduce harmful pollutants like nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide, known triggers for respiratory issues such as asthma and bronchitis.

Research from Georgia State University suggests a link between lower-emission bus exhaust, such as propane buses, and improved academic performance. Students riding ultra-low-emission buses tend to miss school less and achieve better test scores than those riding aging diesel buses with filthier emissions.

Perhaps the most compelling argument for propane buses is their cost-effectiveness. Operating propane buses costs about half as much as diesel buses, and school districts can purchase three propane buses for the price of one electric bus. Simple math demonstrates that $24 million in state and federal funds could put over 200 propane buses on Colorado’s roads, effectively replacing many diesel buses.

With many school districts operating on tight budgets, these savings can be reinvested in the classroom, enhancing educational opportunities. According to the World LP Gas Association, if all diesel school buses in the U.S. were converted to clean-operating propane buses, school districts could hire over 23,000 additional teachers with the savings.

Propane refueling also offers practical advantages. An onsite propane refueling station’s footprint is significantly smaller than a bank of electric chargers. Furthermore, refueling a propane bus takes minutes, while recharging an electric bus can take hours.

Consider the broader emissions picture as well. Sixty percent of the U.S. electric grid relies on coal and natural gas, making propane buses a cleaner option in terms of emissions. As demand on the grid increases, partly due to the growing number of electric passenger vehicles, so does reliance on coal and natural gas, leading to a more significant environmental impact. Propane helps address this issue.

Propane buses are not a concept for the distant future; they are here now. Over 22,000 propane buses operate nationwide, safely transporting 1.3 million students to school in 49 states, including around 400 in Colorado. They perform reliably in all weather conditions, from sweltering heat to freezing winter days, and boast an impressive range of up to 400 miles on a single tank, compared to just 120 miles for a fully charged electric bus.

Colorado should look closer at propane buses as a cost-effective, emissions-reducing, readily available alternative to diesel buses. These buses can help improve air quality, save money, and ensure a cleaner future for Colorado’s children and communities.

Propane Power Takes the Lead: Terminal Tractors Show 99% Cleaner Performance Than Diesel

Revolutionary findings from a study conducted by the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) and Port Newark Container Terminal (PNCT) have ignited excitement in the world of transportation. The research reveals that propane-powered terminal tractors performance outshine their diesel counterparts in various emissions reduction areas, boasting an impressive 99% reduction in nitrogen oxide (NOx) composite… Continue reading Propane Power Takes the Lead: Terminal Tractors Show 99% Cleaner Performance Than Diesel

Revolutionary findings from a study conducted by the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) and Port Newark Container Terminal (PNCT) have ignited excitement in the world of transportation. The research reveals that propane-powered terminal tractors performance outshine their diesel counterparts in various emissions reduction areas, boasting an impressive 99% reduction in nitrogen oxide (NOx) composite and idle emissions. This breakthrough has significant implications for the owners of propane companies, as they stand at the forefront of a cleaner, more sustainable future.

The study conducted at PNCT involved comprehensive emissions testing on a MAFI-manufactured propane terminal tractor alongside Tier 4 diesel technologies. The results showcased the superiority of the propane-powered tractor, which not only achieved remarkable reductions in NOx emissions but also demonstrated a 77.5% decrease in THC idle emissions, 14% fewer brake-specific carbon dioxide emissions, and an astonishing 75% reduction in TPM emissions compared to its diesel counterparts.

The propane tractor owes its exceptional performance to Power Solutions International’s (PSI) 8.8-liter propane engine. This engine, which powers the MAFI tractor, exceeds the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) mandated standards by over 90% in cleanliness. It is also certified to meet the ultra-low NOx emissions standard set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for heavy-duty engines, surpassing expectations with a mere 0.02 grams per brake horsepower. Not only does the propane engine compete head-to-head with diesel engines in terms of performance, delivering 270 horsepower and 565 pounds per foot of torque, but it also champions environmental responsibility.

Gavin Hale, Vice President of Business Development at PERC, emphasizes the accessibility of this groundbreaking technology: “This near-zero emissions terminal tractor is available at an affordable price. Propane technology adoption is gaining momentum at ports, terminals, and warehouses nationwide, offering a solution to eliminate diesel emissions and make significant strides toward reducing greenhouse gases.”

Propane-powered terminal tractors offer cleaner performance and present a cost-effective solution. Additionally, propane company owners can use grant funding through the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) to facilitate the transition to clean, propane-powered fleet technology. These grants encompass support for terminal tractors, propane autogas fleet vehicles, and energy production technology.

The implications for propane company owners are profound. With the increasing demand for sustainable transportation solutions, propane companies are poised to play a pivotal role in the transition toward a greener future. By offering propane-powered terminal tractors, these companies can cater to the evolving needs of ports, terminals, and warehouses seeking to eliminate diesel emissions. The remarkable emissions reductions demonstrated by propane technology contribute to improving air quality and align with the global efforts to combat climate change.

Propane company owners can seize this opportunity to position themselves as leaders in the industry, emphasizing the numerous benefits of propane-powered equipment. These advantages include substantial emissions reductions, compliance with stringent environmental standards, and impressive performance metrics that rival diesel alternatives. By showcasing the affordability, reliability, and sustainability of propane-powered solutions, propane company owners can foster trust and generate interest among potential customers looking to impact their operations and the environment positively.

As the transportation sector transitions to cleaner fuels, propane is a versatile and accessible alternative to diesel. Propane companies can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship by actively promoting propane-powered equipment as a viable and efficient choice. Propane company owners can position themselves as partners in progress and drive the adoption of cleaner technologies by highlighting long-term cost savings, reduced emissions, and the availability of grant funding.

In conclusion, the PERC and PNCT study has unveiled the remarkable potential of propane-powered terminal tractors, showcasing their superiority over diesel counterparts in emissions reduction. Propane company owners now have an opportunity to spearhead the shift towards sustainable transportation by offering propane-powered solutions. By capitalizing on propane’s affordability, performance, and environmental benefits, these owners can position themselves as industry leaders, contributing to cleaner air, reduced emissions, and a greener tomorrow. Let’s ride the propane-powered wave to a brighter and cleaner future!