Renewable propane is on track to play a major role in California’s green energy future with the industry targeting 2030 for supplying the state with a 100% sustainable energy source, the Western Propane Gas Association announced.
The news, along with the unveiling of WPGA’s sustainability statement, comes during Climate Week 2020 and on the heels of Governor Newsom’s announced agenda to accelerate California’s climate change goals.
“As the Governor underscored this week, climate change is an existential and urgent threat to our global community,” said Joy Alafia, president of WPGA. “We are taking this opportunity to remind policymakers that renewable propane will play an essential role in California’s future by providing a clean energy source alongside other clean energy alternatives.
“Our industry is revolutionizing propane as a renewable energy source that offers advantages over conventional fuels, and serves as a critical partner alongside solar and wind power.”
Renewable propane is derived from such sustainable energy sources as animal fat and used cooking oil. Other breakthrough processes include capturing carbon from the atmosphere to decarbonize the fuel. Renewable propane is completely fungible with its conventional counterpart, making it a more affordable option for California’s clean energy economy.
While most people may associate propane with backyard barbecues, renewable propane represents a resilient and affordable source of clean energy that can do more than other energy sources.
“It plays a critical role in providing clean energy during emergencies, blackouts and when solar energy runs out,” Alafia said.
In urban areas, propane fuels everything from commercial trucks and school buses, to warehouse forklifts. In remote rural areas, propane is often used to heat homes, cook food and generate electricity.
Alafia also states, “Renewable propane’s benefits are amplified when coupled with ultra-low NOx engines that are 90 percent cleaner than the EPA’s most stringent standard or combined with innovative appliance technologies that can reduce NOx emissions by up to 80%.
Our industry is excited to serve as an integral part of California’s effort to fight climate change. We look forward to working with customers who seek