PERC approves projects at 2026 summer meeting

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) approved the following funding requests at its meeting earlier this summer in Park City, Utah.

• $1.5 million for an autogas research program, which will collect operational data from fleets that have adopted propane autogas. The program supports deploying an additional 120 propane autogas vehicles to replace diesel and gasoline units and includes funding for up to 50 refueling infrastructure installations.
• $1.4 million to support Caterpillar’s development and validation of propane-optimized and natural gas-capable engines. This includes combustion testing and certification efforts needed to bring a new line of propane power generation products to market. This is part of an estimated $6.75 million project.
• $750,000 to support Roush CleanTech’s E-450 product development and launch costs to integrate Ford’s updated 7.3-liter engine and new transmission for 2027 emissions compliance, ensuring continued deployment of propane-powered buses. This is part of an estimated $2.1 million project.
• $693,370 to support the calibration and durability validation of a propane direct-injection 6.6-liter L8T engine, readying it for non-road markets through a partnership involving Stanadyne, General Motors Powered Solutions and Roush CleanTech. This is part of an estimated project cost totaling more than $2.5 million.
• $600,000 for the 2026 GPA Midstream services agreement, which supports technical collaboration, propane-focused research and consumer activities that strengthen propane supply, production and public awareness. This is part of a $2 million project.
• $10,800 for a new concept state rebate for the Nevada Propane Education and Research Foundation’s mobile food facility safety program.

PERC will next meet Dec. 3-4 in Charleston, South Carolina.

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