PERC celebrates Clean Energy Month

October 30, 2024 By    
Photo: Propane Education and Research Council
Photo courtesy of the Propane Education & Research Council

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is dedicating October as Clean Energy Month.

Throughout the month, PERC has been highlighting propane’s role in advancing a cleaner, more sustainable future. As the nation works toward decarbonization, propane can be used as a solution for homes and businesses to reduce emissions as a low-carbon energy source.

“Propane is a key player in creating a sustainable energy future,” says Michael Newland, director of agriculture business development at PERC. “There is no single path to decarbonization, but propane’s low emissions profile, reliability and affordability make it an excellent choice – especially in locations where electrification may not yet be convenient.”

As the demand for reliable energy sources grows, the need for alternatives to diesel-powered generators has also increased, especially in regions prone to severe weather and electric grid disturbances. According to PERC, propane can reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter emissions, significantly improving air quality in areas where diesel has exacerbated pollution concerns.

Propane is also an alternative for businesses looking to replace gasoline-powered mowers. Unlike gasoline, propane eliminates the risk of spills that harm grass and contaminate soil, offering both environmental and operational benefits. In addition, propane-fueled mowers reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 17 percent and allow operators to meet stricter local air quality regulations, according to the organization.

While traditional propane is already a cleaner option for many applications, renewable propane takes it a step further without compromising performance or affordability. Derived from renewable feedstocks such as vegetable oil, animal fats and used cooking oil, renewable propane offers a carbon intensity score between 20.5 and 43.5 grams of CO2 equivalent per megajoule, compared to more than 100 for diesel and gasoline.

PERC encourages businesses, professionals and industry leaders to look for opportunities to utilize propane for a more sustainable future. By 2050, renewable propane could meet half the world’s demand for non-chemical propane, further cementing its role as a critical contributor to emissions reductions across multiple sectors.

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