PERC stresses energy resiliency at 2024 POWERGEN International

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is encouraging utility and commercial facilities to learn more about propane for critical power generation systems during POWERGEN International, which runs Jan. 23-25 in New Orleans.

“Propane is a clean and reliable energy option that is ideal for prime or backup power generation systems,” says Gavin Hale, director of product development and power generation at PERC. “Whether it’s a microgrid, a towable or backup generator, or a combined heat and power (CHP) system, propane provides resiliency by also working in tandem with other energy sources like solar, electric and battery power to ensure continuous operation for all users.”

PERC will host a press conference for show attendees at 2 p.m. Jan. 24 in its booth (2308), where Hale will be joined by key partners to discuss propane’s role in the latest remote power systems, including:

• DEUTZ DPS 25 SG – 240v generator set
• ANA Energy Boss hybrid 25-kW towable generator
• Upstart Power Upgen NXG 1.25-kW fuel cell generator
• EV Power Pods 120-kW mobile DC fast charger

As innovation in propane technology continues to advance, renewable propane is also becoming a viable energy source for power needs throughout the country, according to PERC. At 2:15 p.m. Jan. 23 in the New Energy Mix & Microgrid Knowledge Hub, Hale will share “Renewable Propane. The New and Cleaner Energy Option to Power a Microgrid” and dive into the role that propane plays on the path to zero emissions.

The carbon intensity of renewable propane, which is made from a variety of renewable feedstocks such as camelina plant oil, used cooking oil or animal fats, scores between 20.5 and 43.5 grams of carbon dioxide equivalent per megajoule (gCO2e/MJ), depending on the feedstock. Comparatively, PERC notes, the carbon intensity score of conventional propane is 80 gCO2e/MJ, with diesel at 100 gCO2e/MJ and gasoline at 101 gCO2e/MJ.

The chemical structure and physical properties of renewable propane are the same as traditional propane, meaning it can be used for the same applications without modifications to engines or equipment, the council adds. Because it can be used alone or in blends with other low-carbon energy sources, including conventional propane, renewable propane is further reducing carbon emissions and ensuring resiliency without sacrificing on performance.

“Propane is clean, and renewable propane is cleaner,” Hale says. “With the lowest carbon intensity of any energy source, renewable propane is making the path to zero and near-zero emissions attainable within the next 15 years.”

PERC shares more about propane power generation options.