Tag: Residential Energy

Why Is Propane a Smart Choice for Clean and Reliable Energy?

Electrification is frequently touted as the ultimate solution to reduce carbon emissions. However, it’s essential to recognize that relying solely on electricity isn’t always practical. Meeting long-term environmental challenges requires a diversified approach to energy sources. So, why isn’t an all-electric solution the answer? Building the necessary infrastructure to support widespread electrification would be a… Continue reading Why Is Propane a Smart Choice for Clean and Reliable Energy?

Electrification is frequently touted as the ultimate solution to reduce carbon emissions. However, it’s essential to recognize that relying solely on electricity isn’t always practical. Meeting long-term environmental challenges requires a diversified approach to energy sources.

So, why isn’t an all-electric solution the answer? Building the necessary infrastructure to support widespread electrification would be a monumental undertaking, spanning decades and costing trillions of dollars, with much of the burden falling on those least able to afford it.

Access to clean, dependable energy should be a universal right. This is why builders, remodelers, and construction professionals should consider a blend of clean energy options. One such option is propane.

Propane’s Versatility

Propane is a versatile energy source suitable for residential and commercial applications. It can power appliances and systems like space and water heaters, backup power generators, cooking appliances, clothes dryers, fireplaces, and outdoor living setups. According to the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), nearly 13 million U.S. households already use propane for space heating, water heating, or cooking, and this number continues to grow as more builders, remodelers, and homeowners choose propane for their projects. Propane offers a reliable and efficient energy solution for a myriad of purposes.

One of propane’s key advantages is its portability and on-site storage capabilities. This means that developments can be situated in areas previously considered less desirable due to the absence of natural gas infrastructure.

Moreover, propane is vital in reducing the strain on the electric grid. It provides customers with a stable, on-site energy source that ensures homes function seamlessly even during grid interruptions. Propane systems and appliances can continue to operate during power outages, and adding a propane-powered backup generator can further enhance a home’s resilience.

Propane and Carbon Emissions

While electrification is often seen as a zero-emissions solution, considering the full-fuel-cycle emissions reveals compelling reasons to choose propane. Propane is environmentally friendly and effectively reduces emissions while meeting energy demands. Propane significantly outperforms electricity regarding carbon emissions for critical residential applications, notably water heating. For instance, propane tankless water heaters can produce up to 61% fewer greenhouse gas emissions, 47% fewer nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, and 91% fewer sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions than electric storage tank water heaters, according to PERC data.

Additionally, using propane produces 52% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than equivalent electricity generated from the U.S. grid. This is because more than 60% of the energy produced in power plants is lost during production, transmission, or transformation before reaching its destination. These emissions from power plants tend to be concentrated at the source, impacting nearby communities significantly.

Propane can also complement on-site solar PV systems to reduce emissions while ensuring reliability, especially during adverse weather conditions. Propane standby generators, permanently installed on-site, offer quiet, efficient, and clean power backup, instantly restoring power without disrupting critical infrastructure.

As a clean, dependable, and versatile energy solution, propane is essential to a diversified energy mix, applicable across numerous industries, from large-scale operations to residential construction. With ongoing innovations, propane holds great potential and is poised to provide even more sustainable solutions for future generations.

The Era of Renewable Propane: A Clean Energy Revolution

Renewable propane, a relatively recent addition to the energy landscape, has quickly become a reality in the United States. In just three short years since the first significant amounts were sold to end-users in 2019, renewable propane has found its way into the market, making its presence felt in different states across the country. This… Continue reading The Era of Renewable Propane: A Clean Energy Revolution

Renewable propane, a relatively recent addition to the energy landscape, has quickly become a reality in the United States. In just three short years since the first significant amounts were sold to end-users in 2019, renewable propane has found its way into the market, making its presence felt in different states across the country. This remarkable progress signifies a significant step forward for a renewable energy product that was virtually nonexistent not long ago.

One of the most striking aspects of this journey is the surging demand for renewable propane, particularly in the autogas sector. Yet, its influence is not confined to just one segment; awareness and demand for renewable propane are steadily expanding across various market domains.

The next frontiers for renewable propane are the residential, commercial, and agriculture markets. With the right industry focus and support, these markets are poised to grow at a rate similar to that of autogas. Renewable propane now stands proudly alongside other sustainable liquid fuels, including renewable diesel, biodiesel, Bioheat, and sustainable aviation fuel, sometimes referred to as alternative jet fuel.

While demand has been robust, the supply chain for renewable propane has faced challenges in keeping up. However, this is gradually changing. Producers of other liquid fuel renewables, such as biodiesel, ethanol, and dimethyl ether (DME), are recognizing the potential of diversifying their production to include renewable propane. Notably, DME blended with conventional propane presents an exciting supply source, capable of achieving net-zero carbon emissions when blended correctly.

At present, the price of renewable propane may seem relatively high. Yet, it’s essential to bear in mind that increased availability typically leads to reduced costs. As the production and adoption of renewable propane continues to grow, we can anticipate more competitive pricing in the future.

Recognizing the transformative potential of renewable propane, U.S. propane industry organizations are shifting their perspective. They no longer view renewable propane as a competitor but as a complement and extension of the conventional propane market. This shift is driven by a growing appetite among propane marketers for insights on sourcing, marketing, and selling renewable propane alongside conventional propane and other energy products they offer.

Leading the charge in research and development, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) and the World LPG Association are exploring the use of DME combined with conventional propane blends and their impact on various equipment components. PERC is also ramping up its focus on renewable propane within its broader strategy to advance the propane market.

Notably, conventional propane already boasts a cleaner profile compared to most grid-sourced electricity today. With the advent of renewable propane, it appears increasingly unlikely that grid-sourced electricity will ever catch up in terms of environmental cleanliness. Propane is clean now, and it’s on a trajectory to become even cleaner.

Renewable propane is not just a concept; it’s a reality. Its swift rise in prominence, surging demand, and potential to revolutionize various sectors underscore its significance in the clean energy transition. As renewable propane continues to make strides, it promises a greener and more sustainable future for energy consumption in the United States.