This Earth Day, April 22, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is highlighting propane autogas and renewable propane as key solutions for cutting emissions and delivering reliable energy amid global sustainability efforts. 

PERC said propane is a safe, clean, and readily available energy source that produces 52% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than the electric grid. Thus, propane supports both the environment and communities striving for more sustainable, resilient energy.

“Too often the energy conversation turns toward a choice between sustainability and reliability; propane proves that you don’t have to choose,” said Tucker Perkins, president and CEO of PERC. “With extreme weather events on the rise, we need solutions that are as resilient as they are clean. Propane is widely available and rises to the challenge of reducing carbon emissions and keeping our planet clean and our communities up and running.”

In addition to being a low-carbon energy source, propane autogas is nontoxic and does not contaminate soil or water, making it a safe choice for fleets and the communities in which they operate. 

Propane Autogas: Reducing NOx Emissions

Today’s ultra-low nitrogen oxide (NOx) propane autogas engines reduce harmful NOx emissions by up to 96% and are certified to the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) 0.02 grams per brake horsepower-hour (g/bhp-hr) standard.

These engines are even cleaner when they operate with renewable propane. 

Made from renewable feedstocks, renewable propane offers the same benefits of conventional propane—power, performance, and reliability—but with even lower emissions. 

Renewable propane can be used in any current propane autogas engine or infrastructure without modifications, providing another smart solution along the path to zero emissions.

Energy Security and Resilience for Fleets

Beyond its environmental benefits, propane autogas provides fleet owners with energy security and resilience because it is a portable energy source that can power equipment and be delivered even when the grid is down. 

Even after natural disasters like hurricanes, wildfires, blizzards, or blackouts, propane autogas keeps fleets on the road when they’re needed most.

Propane Can Support EV Charging

Propane can also support electric vehicles with propane-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging.

The technology utilizes a self-sufficient nanogrid with a propane-powered generator to provide DC level 3 fast charging. The infrastructure operates independently from the electric grid to keep EV fleets on the road.

“Propane autogas continues to empower fleet owners to meet their sustainability goals while staying resilient and efficient,” said Joel Stutheit, senior manager of autogas business development at PERC. “From slashing emissions and leveraging the latest in renewable technology to helping fleets maintain operational uptime, propane is trusted to keep vehicles on the road well into the future.”