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Written on: December 18, 2023
Many of us are looking for ways to reduce our environmental impact, and there are lots of options. You can recycle and compost, install a programmable thermostat, use high-efficiency light bulbs, buy a fuel-efficient car, etc.
Did you know that propane is a great energy choice when it comes to reducing your carbon footprint? Propane has been listed as an alternative fuel in the 1990 Clean Air Act and the Energy Policy Act of 1992.
Today, conventional propane, which is distinct from renewable propane, is obtained as a byproduct of natural gas extraction and oil refining. From a conservation perspective, this implies that no additional drilling is required for propane production. Moreover, the United States sources almost all of the propane it consumes domestically. This is advantageous for various reasons: it reduces the need for extensive transportation of propane and somewhat shields its price from global energy markets.
Propane is an exceptionally clean-burning and efficient energy source for homes. Compared to gasoline, diesel, and even electricity, conventional propane has a significantly lower carbon intensity (CI). Although natural gas has a lower CI than propane, it is primarily composed of methane, a potent greenhouse gas that is over 80 times more effective at trapping heat in the atmosphere than CO2 over a 20-year period. In contrast, propane does not contain methane, making it an environmentally friendly choice. Furthermore, propane emits virtually no particulate matter, which is a known carcinogen.
You’ll be delighted to know that modern propane systems and appliances boast remarkable fuel efficiencies, which can reach 98%. As a result, minimal heat energy is lost through the chimney during combustion. This not only benefits the environment but also contributes to cost savings for your home. It’s truly a win-win situation!
Although conventional propane is already considered environmentally friendly, renewable propane takes sustainability and emissions reductions to a whole new level.
Renewable propane is derived from various organic feedstocks, similar to those used for biodiesel production. These feedstocks encompass a wide range of resources, such as cooking grease, animal fats, woody biomass, municipal waste, and plant oils. Notably, many of these feedstocks are considered waste products. Additionally, promising research has been conducted on camelina sativa, a crop that thrives with minimal water requirements and can be cultivated on fallow lands.
Renewable propane offers a significantly reduced carbon footprint. When derived from domestic, non-rendered, used cooking oil, its carbon impact is less than one-quarter that of electricity. Ongoing research is underway to further decrease its environmental impact.
Renewable and conventional propane are molecularly identical, allowing for seamless use in propane appliances without any modifications. Although renewable propane is not yet extensively utilized in residential settings, U.S. producers have already manufactured approximately 4.6 million gallons in 2021, with production steadily increasing.
Are you using propane to keep your home warm, heat your water, and power your appliances? Look no further than Pitmon Oil & Gas for the most reliable propane delivery in South and Central Oklahoma. Our team of experienced technicians is here to ensure that you’re using your fuel efficiently. With our top-tier maintenance service, your heating equipment will always perform at its best. Plus, we can help you upgrade to the latest high-efficiency systems, reducing your fuel consumption for years to come. Trust Pitmon for all your propane needs!
With propane reducing its environmental impact day by day, you can be assured that it’s a great energy source for your home or business! Contact Pitmon Oil & Gas today to learn more.
