Propane: The Fuel of the Future?

Like many groundbreaking innovations, propane was discovered by accident. Walter Snelling was a chemist who, in 1910, observed how a jug of gasoline appeared to emit vapors. After careful investigation and a couple decades of research, he sold the patent to his discovery and propane fuel development began in earnest. 

In its early iterations, propane was primarily used for machines that cut metals and performed other manufacturing functions. Between 1922 and 1925, propane sales doubled. In 1927, as gas ranges became popular in American homes, propane was being seriously considered for integration into these household appliances. As of the mid 1940s, as many as 62% of homes in the U.S. used either propane or natural gas.

By 1950, the Chicago Transit Authority and Milwaukee Transit officials were just two of the major urban bodies to integrate propane for public transportation vehicles. Propane-fueled buses began to transport passengers through the Windy City and the Wisconsin city converted more than 250 taxis into propane-fueled vehicles. It is estimated that more than 7.5 million additional propane conversions occurred both in cities and on farms over the subsequent five years.

A keystone research project in 1955 highlighted just how enduring propane could be. At a federal testing site in the Nevada desert, propane equipment, appliances and containers were placed within the impact of an atomic explosion. All remained in working order, even after the blast and fallout.

Hot air balloons, propane tank cars, propane truck engines and more innovative applications characterized the subsequent decades. In 1990, propane was approved by the Clean Air Act as an alternative, clean fuel. Again, in 1992, it was listed as a clean fuel in the Energy Policy Act. In 1996, Congress activated Teh Propane Education and Resource Council (PERC) to promote the safe use of this valuable resource.

Chemists, business leaders, government officials and more have recognized and valued propane for its many uses and net positive impact on the environment. And as the depletion of natural resources continues to impact companies that rely on fossil-fuel dependent vehicles and machines, propane emerges as a frontrunner.

About Propane

Propane itself can be obtained in a few different ways. One way is through natural gas processing. Ethane, butane and propane are removed during the refinery process. Larger alkanes are broken into smaller alkanes. Called “cracking,” this high-temp, high-pressure process creates propane as a byproduct.

Propane can be compressed and transported in propane cylinders. These cylinders may contain vapor or liquid forms of the gas. Most generally, propane is known as an LP, or liquefied petroleum, gas. It is a popular fuel for a lot of reasons, not least of which is that it burns clean with no emissions. And the propane industry is growing.

Propane Industry in the United States. Throughout its development, propane has been identified as a great fuel option for all types of businesses. For over 100 years, homeowners and manufacturers have relied on propane-fueled vehicles, machines, appliances and equipment. 

Propane in Homes. As many as 50 million U.S. households currently use propane. Nearly eight million U.S. homes use propane to heat their homes. Propane is the third most commonly used fuel, per household. In homes, propane is used for space heating, cooking and water heating.

Propane on Farms. Nearly one million farms in the United States use propane. Propane is reliable, transportable and an efficient alternative to natural gas or electricity. Farms use propane for everything from agriculture equipment to backup generators. 

Propane in Businesses. There is a vast variety of businesses that use propane. Construction companies, restaurants, food trucks/food deliveries, retailers, manufacturers and more all rely on propane every day. Because it is such a clean-burning, high-heat and safety-conscious option for fuel, more and more equipment is being designed and circulated with propane in mind.

Propane Statistics

To further illustrate the growing prevalence and power of the propane industry, here is a breakdown of how propane is being used around the country:

Due to its increased use over the past 50 years, there are some powerful statistics that evidence the eco-friendly nature of propane use. These include the facts that:

The National Park Service has effectively reduced its fuel budget and underscored its commitment to sustainability by using propane-powered equipment.

Whatever the primary goal of propane use, it has numerous tangential affects, including environmental benefits and impressive cost savings.

Propane in North Carolina

According to the National Propane Gas Association, North Carolina has over 835,000 retail propane accounts, with more than 268,000 homes using propane as a primary heat source. Nearly four million gallons of propane are distributed to homes and businesses each year. Propane-related transportation, wholesale, retail and storage supply more than 2,700 jobs to people in the state. Propane related income contributes to well over a million dollars for the state’s economy.

Propane v. Other Fuel. Propane is often used as an alternative to electric, diesel or natural gas. Whether in homes or on construction sites, there are numerous benefits to using propane.

Propane v. Electric. A first key point of comparison is that electricity is a secondary energy source. Electricity requires energy to create, whereas propane can be used as is. In comparable terms, 27 kWh of electricity equals about a gallon (or 91,500 BTUs) of propane. By volume, electricity may be less expensive than propane. By length of time, propane has an advantage, as it produces energy more efficiently than electricity. While electricity is not directly harmful to the environment, because it is a secondary energy source, it is considered less environmentally friendly than propane.

Propane v. Diesel. Diesel gas has been an industry standard for things like freight vehicles, transport vehicles and large equipment or machines. However, diesel has emerged as a primary pollutant and is considered widely damaging to the environment. It emits various toxic gasses into the air. Propane burns clean. It requires a similar three-gas catalyst system, which has allowed many operators to either upfit vehicles or purchase new vehicles without significant operational delays or issues. Propane vehicles are quieter and up to 50% less expensive to fuel than diesel vehicles.

Propane v. Natural Gas. Propane has about twice the energy of natural gas, which makes it about twice as efficient. A key point of comparison between these two resources is the fact that natural gas can be depleted, because it is naturally occurring. As a refined fuel, propane burns clean and is up to 30% cheaper than natural gas.

Every year, propane suppliers in the U.S. export over 10 billion gallons of propane. There are nearly 10,000 bulk plant propane storage facilities in the United States, which supply propane to millions of U.S. customers. 

PARAGON Propane: Superior Service, Unrivaled Efficiency

Of more than 3,000 propane businesses in the U.S., more than 70% of these are local, independent and family-owned businesses. At the heart of the thriving propane industry is hard-working individuals who realize the value of this future-proof fuel source. PARAGON Propane is one of these companies. We serve the Charlotte community and beyond with exceptional propane delivery services, propane cylinder exchanges and propane-fueled equipment rentals. 

We are proud of our small part in the long history (and bright future) of propane in the United States. If you live or operate a business in Charlotte, PARAGON Propane has resources that can benefit you. Contact us to learn more or tap here to learn more about the propane services we offer in Charlotte and surrounding areas.