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Propane Benefits
It is Available
Propane is available in abundance, and the transportation system to move it is in place, as are the tanks to store it and the outlets (approximately 2500 outlets in Canada) to dispense it. Canada produces nearly 5% of the world supply and only uses a quarter of that domestically; most of it is exported!
It is Portable
Propane can be stored, transported and used almost anywhere on the globe. It has infinite ‘shelf life’, which means that it does not deteriorate over time. The storage cylinders and tanks come in a broad range of sizes, all built and transported according to highly regulated safety standards. In many cases, it is the only fuel used in remote locations because of its portability, especially for applications where demand patterns change, such as construction sites or cottages. It is like a 'pipeline on wheels' without all the capital costs and constraints!
It is Safe
Production, storage, transportation and use are subject to strict standards and regulations. Propane is stored and used in sealed containers and fuel systems, and is only transferred from one container to another by trained personnel. Propane tanks are 20 times more puncture proof than conventional gasoline tanks.
It is a Modern Energy
Propane isn’t just for camps and barbeques! There are countless opportunities to switch to clean-burning propane. For propane at home and in the workplace, think beyond cooking to heating and cooling, and a host of appliances such as pool, patio, space and water heaters, clothes dryers and refrigerators. For the agricultural community, think heating greenhouses and other buildings, and weed and pest control, crop drying, waste incineration and powering equipment. For industry, think forklifts and mobile and remote generators, drying and curing paint, brinks and ceramics, glazing pottery, metal heating and processing, clearing fog for airports, and the list goes on. And of course, don’t forget about propane as a transportation fuel – cars, trucks and entire fleets in brand new models. Propane is ready to fuel the tools and toys you rely on for work and play.
It is Clean
Propane is clean burning. In times heavily burdened by environmental concerns, propane stands above most fuels and can compete with the cleanest. It is clean burning because of its simple chemical make-up. When properly mixed with air to form a combustible mixture, it produces virtually no soot (particulate matter), low carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), and oxides of nitrogen (NOx), which are the basic precursors of ozone sometimes known as ‘smog’.
Because propane is stored and transported under modest pressure, the transportation and storage system is closed to the atmosphere, preventing any evaporative emissions. In the event of a leak, propane readily vaporises and therefore doesn’t contaminate aquifers or soil as do most liquid fuels. When measured through the total fuel cycle (from production to end use) propane impacts greenhouse gas emissions less than any other fossil fuel!
It is a Partner with Other Energies
Some energies are friendlier to the environment than others. Non-fossil fuels, such as solar and wind are particularly more friendly, but have reliability limitations. The flexibility of propane makes it possible to partner with these other energies to supplement the basic energy supply when the sun isn’t shining, or the wind isn’t blowing. Automatic switching technology exists to facilitate this.
Fuel cells create power and heat through an electrochemical process rather than burning, converting hydrogen and oxygen into electrical energy. Since propane is rich in hydrogen (C3H8) propane is a good partner, providing the source of hydrogen. A current obstacle for hydrogen fuel cells is the need for the mass availability of hydrogen in a safe and practical manner. Until an infrastructure for hydrogen is in place, propane and its expansive distribution network could be utilized! |
