October 8, 2023
The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) observed the second annual National Propane Day on Oct. 7, 2023, describing the day as a celebration of all the ways propane keeps America running as a resilient energy source.
“Propane is powering America every day through propane-powered generators,” said Jim Bunsey, director of commercial business development, PERC. “As a near-zero emission, high-efficiency, and reliable energy source, it offers communities a resilient option that’s ready for anything. In times of uncertainty, propane provides certainty.”
Propane power generation is involved in prime and backup power, microgrids, towable generators, and combined heat and power (CHP) units. PERC said that in each application, propane-powered generators can lessen the magnitude of major disasters by preventing disruption to homes, businesses and essential industries.
As it observed National Propane Day, PERC listed additional benefits of propane by stating:
- Propane is affordable and readily available, allowing users to reduce carbon emissions and provide energy equity in communities across the nation.
- Using propane produces approximately 43 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than using an equivalent amount of electricity generated from the U.S. grid.
- Propane can work alongside other renewable energy sources, like solar and wind. With propane, America can diversify its energy mix with a reliable solution while reducing the strain on the already fragile electric grid.
PERC also said with National Propane Day, it celebrated the continued growth and production of renewable propane which it described as an ultra-low carbon option that further moves the propane industry down the path to zero carbon emissions. Renewable propane is made primarily from plant and vegetable oils, animal fats, or used cooking oil, and PERC said it offers the same features as conventional propane — reliability, portability and power — with the added benefit that it introduces no new carbon into the environment.
“As we collectively embrace the efforts behind energy resiliency, decarbonization, and efficiency, propane is primed to lead the charge,” Bunsey said. “On National Propane Day, and well into the future, there is a bright future for low-carbon propane.”
For more information, visit propane.com/power-generation.
