Study outlines path for renewable propane production in Canada

Watt

The Canadian Propane Association (CPA) launched the Propane Decarbonization Roadmap for Canada, a study that provides technical evidence to support renewable propane production in Canada.

While propane is already a low-carbon energy choice, the CPA notes, the association and its members are charting a path to produce renewable propane to reduce the fuel’s emissions further. It says renewable propane can save up to 85 percent of emissions – and more under certain conditions.

Derived primarily from plant and vegetable oils, animal fats or used cooking oil, renewable propane integrates with existing infrastructure, offering an easy and cost-effective sustainable energy solution for all sectors of the economy, according to the CPA.

“Canada must prioritize investments in renewable propane to safeguard energy security and ensure an equitable energy transition for all Canadians,” says CPA President and CEO Shannon Watt. “Propane is crucial for agriculture, industry, transportation and remote, rural and Indigenous communities, offering a dependable and affordable solution while also serving as critical backup energy for renewables and during emergencies when the grid experiences failures.”

Canada’s diverse landscape, including remote communities and a cold northern climate, underscores the importance of an adaptable energy policy that addresses regional needs and challenges, the CPA says. The emergence of renewable propane will support the ongoing energy transition affordably and equitably across all parts of Canada, it adds.

“We need a fair approach to ensure that every Canadian has access to reliable, affordable and sustainable energy,” Watt says. “Canadians need energy they can depend on, regardless of where they live.”

The study was released in alignment with Canada’s second annual National Propane Day on March 20, dedicated to honoring the propane industry and recognizing the benefits that propane brings to millions of Canadians.

Access the study here. For a detailed report on the pathways to produce renewable propane, review the Technical Feasibility of Decarbonizing Propane in Canada, authored by Chris Bataille and Seton Stiebert.