Propane, also known as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or autogas, is a domestically produced fossil fuel that can replace or supplement petroleum-based fuels.
Propane is a three-carbon alkane gas (C3H8) and is stored under pressure inside a tank and is a colorless, odorless liquid. As pressure is released, the liquid propane vaporizes and turns into gas that is used in combustion. An odorant, ethyl mercaptan, is added for leak detection.
Renewable Propane is a growing option across the globe. It is made using things like agricultural waste, cooking oils, and meat fats. With a carbon intensity of 19%, renewable propane’s negative footprint is 5 times less harmful than diesel and gasoline, and 1.5 times less harmful than U.S. grid electricity.
Learn more basics and benefits about renewable propane here and regular propane here!
While renewable propane currently make up just 0.1% of worldwide propane produced each year, the market is growing. In rural Europe, if off-grid homes are switched to renewable propane, the change could remove as much as 5 million tons of CO2 emissions, which is equal to removing 2.5 million cars from the roads.
Propane typically sells for 25%-50% cheaper than petroleum fuels, though there are fluctuations during the heating season (October- March). Propane is the most economical alternative fuel source for fleets on a per-mile basis. Propane already boasts a well-developed supply infrastructure that is the least expensive to install among all alternative and conventional fuels.
Considered one of the cleanest available fossil fuels, propane offers observable reductions in emissions. Propane produces 20% less carbon monoxide, 40% less hydrocarbon, 30% fewer oxides of nitrogen, and fewer particulate matter than conventional petroleum-based fuels. These reductions in emissions will contribute less to environmental problems such as smog and acid rain, and contribute less to air-related health problems. Propane is also non-toxic and biodegradable so it poses no threat to soil, surface water, and ground water.
Over 90% of the supply of propane comes from domestic sources.
Learn more about Ohio laws and incentives for propane here!
Liquid dispensing infrastructure provides a lower cost alternative.