Propane Revolutionizes Energy Resilience: Celebrating National Propane Day 2023

October 5th, 2023 Tim Jay Leave a comment

In a bid to acknowledge the remarkable role of propane in ensuring energy resilience across the nation, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is gearing up for the second annual National Propane Day, set to take place on October 7, 2023. This special day serves as a platform to commemorate the versatile applications of propane in sustaining various facets of American life, with a special focus on its significant contributions to material handling operations.

Jim Bunsey, the Director of Commercial Business Development at PERC, emphasized, “Propane stands as the unsung hero of the U.S. supply chain, powering material handling operations both large and small.”

Propane has been a trusted energy source for material handling operations for decades, ensuring uninterrupted power supply. Its versatility shines as it can be safely utilized both indoors and outdoors, maintaining efficient material flow while keeping emissions at bay. In contemporary times, propane fuels a range of equipment, including forklifts, terminal tractors, and light- to medium-duty vehicles.

Notably, propane boasts a low carbon footprint, exceptional efficiency, and unwavering reliability. These qualities position it as an ideal choice for bolstering the resilience of warehouses and ports. With the capability to drive both primary and backup generators, facilities can remain fully operational regardless of the status of the electrical grid.

Jim Bunsey reiterated, “National Propane Day underscores the profound impact of propane on material handling operations nationwide.”

In addition to celebrating the existing benefits of propane, PERC is also lauding the growth and production of renewable propane, marking a significant step toward achieving zero carbon emissions. Renewable propane, predominantly derived from plant and vegetable oils, animal fats, or used cooking oil, preserves the reliability, portability, and power of conventional propane, all while introducing no additional carbon emissions into the environment.

As we approach National Propane Day 2023, the propane industry stands at the forefront of ensuring energy resilience and environmental responsibility. This annual celebration promises to shed light on the invaluable contributions of propane, both traditional and renewable, in powering America’s essential operations while charting a greener path for the future.

For more information on how propane power material handling operations, visit Propane.com/material-handling.

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Breakthrough Propane Direct Injection Technology Provides Fleet Owners with Low-Emission, High-Efficiency Option

September 16th, 2023 Tim Jay Leave a comment

Through a joint partnership between Stanadyne, Katech, and the Propane Education & Research Council, this new technology will drive the transportation industry further down the path to zero.

Fleet owners looking for a low emission, high efficiency, and affordable engine solution will soon have new technology to turn to thanks to a partnership between Stanadyne, Katech, and the Propane Education & Research Council. The innovation combines Stanadyne’s direct injection fuel pump and injector system with Katech’s vapor lock technology to create the industry’s first medium-duty engine system that can deliver propane autogas at a constant 350-bar pressure directly into the engine. It’s all part of the three company’s combined decarbonization mission.

The breakthrough engine technology overcomes vapor lock, a common technical issue when liquified gases vaporize, which can interrupt fuel pump operation. By finding a solution, the new technology improves engine performance and efficiency. The combined system fueled a standard 6.6L GDI engine during a 250-hour performance and durability test. The tests successfully demonstrated that the technology works with existing engines and that propane autogas can be a low-carbon, high-performance replacement for gasoline and diesel engines.

The new technology will help fleet owners exceed the ultra-low emissions mandates going into place in 2027. Compared to diesel, propane autogas reduces harmful nitrogen oxide emissions by 96 percent and provides a five to 10 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. The engine technology can also utilize renewable propane, which has a carbon intensity four times lower than conventional diesel.

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Clean, Reliable Propane Ensures Port Autonomy

June 9th, 2023 Gavin Hale Leave a comment

Propane provides clean energy now to meet emissions reduction regulations.

To keep pace with shipping activity and maintain autonomy, ports need a reliable energy supply. Plus, changing air quality regulations make it challenging for port authorities and tenants to reduce their emissions. Fortunately, there are clean and reliable propane-powered solutions available now to mitigate pollution.

In many ports, the top priority is to replace diesel equipment to satisfy emissions reduction requirements as well as make a better working and living environment for their employees and community. While going all-electric is the common default solution to improve a port’s air quality, the United States’ electric grid is already unable to keep up with demand and in many states, electricity is produced by burning coal. If the demand for electricity rises, greenhouse gases from coal will drastically increase as well. The good news is that there are other options available to meet clean energy demands while ensuring reliable operation. With a diverse combination of alternative energy sources such as wind, solar, grid power, and propane, achieving emissions reduction goals is possible now.

Staying Reliable with Propane-Powered Electric Grids

Port towns are often historic, which typically means they are on older power grids that require significant amounts of time and resources to maintain. Propane allows ports to operate independent of the electric grid, including the capability to power microgrids for primary, auxiliary, or shore power.

A microgrid is a miniature power grid system designed to efficiently distribute power to nearby facilities or buildings. Microgrids are often made up of one or more distributed energy solutions, such as solar panels, wind turbines, and generators that produce and store energy. By implementing a propane generator, these fuel cells can lead to near-zero emissions of nitrogen oxide (NOx), sulfur oxide (SOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrocarbon (HC), as well as a 16 percent reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions compared to diesel generators.

In addition to powering primary operational needs, propane-powered microgrids are a clean, reliable way to supply shore power. Shore power, or cold ironing, provides electrical power from the shoreline to a ship while it’s docked, allowing ships to maintain fundamental vessel functions without running auxiliary engines and burning diesel fuel.

Propane-Powered Port Equipment is Reducing Emissions

Not only can propane allow ports to cleanly operate independent of the fragile electric grid, it can also power essential cargo handling equipment such as yard tractors and forklifts. In fact, propane-powered internal combustion engine (ICE) yard tractors are currently one of the only near-zero emission fuel technologies capable today of meeting marine terminal operators’ endurance needs—traveling consistent speeds and distances no matter the cargo weight—while still providing emissions reductions.

Today’s ultra-low NOx propane engines are 90 percent cleaner than EPA standards. In fact, recent emissions testing at Port Newark Container Terminal (PNCT) confirmed that propane-powered yard tractors yield 99 percent fewer NOx composite and idle emissions than diesel tractors. Additionally, propane tractors produce 77.5 percent fewer THC idle emissions, 14 percent fewer brake-specific carbon dioxide emissions, and 75 percent fewer TPM emissions than diesel.

Propane yard tractors aren’t the only technology challenging diesel-powered equipment. Propane forklifts produce 94 percent fewer HC and NOx emissions when compared with diesel without any drop-off in payload or power.

Because propane can power everything in a port from the electric grid to CHE, ports can more quickly implement clean solutions to accelerate emissions reductions. Plus, with multiple funding opportunities available, ports can get more clean, reliable propane-powered upgrades, fast.

Learn more about how propane can support port operations at Propane.com/ports.

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Propane Now Reducing Emissions Through Recharging Infrastructure

March 4th, 2023 Tim Jay Leave a comment

The dual-purpose standalone fueling system from Propane Fueling Solutions provides fleets with reliable solutions whether they refuel with propane autogas or need to recharge using a propane-powered microgrid

After decades of reliably providing fleets with a clean energy solution, propane is now reducing emissions along the path to zero even further by providing a significantly less expensive and cleaner recharging solution. The new portable dual-purpose standalone fueling system from Propane Fueling Solutions allows fleets with various alternative fuel vehicles to refuel with propane autogas or recharge with DC level 3 fast chargers independent of the grid.

The skid infrastructure combines an efficient 60kW propane generator with wind and solar power to create a microgrid that allows fleets to affordably implement a drop-in charging solution. The skid also includes a refueling station for propane autogas vehicles.

For light commercial microgrid (<100kW generation system) applications, propane fuel cells can lead to near-zero nitrogen oxide (NOx) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions, as well as a 24 percent reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Propane fuel cells are also cost-competitive with diesel generators.

Compared to traditional EV charging infrastructure, the skid solution is significantly less expensive than traditional EV charging infrastructure because it doesn’t require the same site prep, permanent housing, or other costly charges that are incurred with permanent infrastructure. According to Propane Fueling Solutions, the skid cuts costs by as much as 75 percent or more. Because of its affordability, the dual-purpose standalone fueling system allows fleets to try both propane autogas and electric vehicles—and learn about the capabilities and limitations of multiple energy sources—without making costly infrastructure investments.

The dual-purpose standalone fueling system will be on display in PERC’s booth (#353) at the NTEA Work Truck Show, March 7-10, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Attendees who visit the booth can learn more about the ease of refueling or recharging with the infrastructure through guided demonstrations of the new technology.

Propane Education & Research Council (PERC)

The Propane Education & Research Council is a nonprofit that provides leading propane safety and training programs and invests in research and development of new propane-powered technologies. PERC is operated and funded by the propane industry.

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Port Newark Container Terminal Commits to Propane

December 13th, 2022 Tim Jay Leave a comment

Port Newark Container Terminal is committed to reducing emissions with propane

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is pleased to announce the commitment of Port Newark Container Terminal (PNCT) to reduce emissions by using propane equipment at its location in Newark, New Jersey.

After seeing initial success with a prototype propane-powered port tractor, PNCT has decided to move ahead with replacing its entire diesel-powered port tractor fleet and convert to propane.

During the month of December, PNCT is conducting a side-by-side analysis of MAFI’s demonstrative propane port tractor with the terminal’s current diesel models. The comparison will account for fuel efficiency, run time, torque, power, and emissions output, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), and carbon dioxide (CO2).

The MAFI port tractor is powered by PSI’s 8.8-liter propane engine that is certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) for use in mobile, off-road applications. The engine emits .02 grams of NOx per brake horsepower, making it one of the cleanest propane engines available on the market. The engine also offers 270 horsepower with 565 lb-ft of torque. MAFI is an international heavy-duty vehicle manufacturer.

About PERC

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Does Your Sustainability Plan Include Propane? Here Are 3 Reasons It Should.

April 29th, 2021 Matt McDonald Leave a comment

Clean Air Month, celebrated in May, brings heightened awareness to an important issue for ports and port communities.

Ports traffic a high number of ships, vessels, barges, and boats on a daily basis and, because many are powered by dirty, high-carbon bunker fuel, air quality issues are a particular concern in and around port communities. As the momentum to reduce emissions and improve air quality continues to grow across the international port industry, many port authorities are seeking cleaner energy alternatives to use on-site.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), switching to cleaner fuel is one of the most effective strategies for emissions reduction. That means clean, low-emissions energy sources—like propane—can offer considerable environmental and economic advantages for various port applications.

1. Propane-powered equipment reduces emissions

Diesel engines are the current workhorse of the American economy, and although they can be reliable and efficient, older diesel engines can emit significant amounts of air pollution, including particulate matter, NOx, and carbon dioxide, according to the EPA. And while many port authorities think the solution to lower emissions is to electrify their equipment, they’re likely unaware that propane has a cleaner and more transparent emissions profile when lifecycle emissions are taken into consideration. This includes site-to-source emissions produced in the creation and transmission of electric forklift batteries.

Sometimes data can speak louder than words and the Propane Education & Research Council has valuable data to support the claim that this is the cleanest energy source for port operations. Most notably, using propane produces 43 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than using an equivalent amount of electricity generated from the U.S. grid, according to data from PERC. And thanks to propane’s energy versatility, crews can reduce emissions across a port with propane-powered forklifts, port and terminal tractors, light- and medium-duty vehicles, shuttles, power generation, and even small marine vessels.

For smaller material handling needs on-site, propane forklifts reduce emissions compared with their diesel and electric counterparts. Compared with electric, propane can reduce SOx emissions by 76 percent, and compared with diesel forklift engines, propane forklift engines can produce up to 97 percent fewer hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions—without any drop-off in payload or power.

Propane can bring emissions reductions to a port’s vehicle fleet, too. Terminal tractors powered by propane autogas produce 12 percent fewer lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline-fueled terminal tractors, according to data from the Argonne National Laboratory. And propane autogas vehicles reduce NOx emissions by up to 36 percent compared to diesel vehicles, greenhouse gas emissions by up to 22 percent compared to gasoline vehicles, and up to 45 percent less particulate matter than electric vehicles throughout the full fuel cycle.

2. Propane is environmentally friendly

When ships come in and out of ports day in and day out, not only do they release harmful emissions into the atmosphere, but they can also have a negative impact on water resources, ecosystems, and marine life. Powering land- and sea-side port equipment with propane can introduce a more environmentally-friendly solution. It is an approved clean alternative fuel under the Clean Air Act. Additionally, the energy source is non-toxic and, if leaked, it vaporizes and dissipates into the air, eliminating contamination to air, land, and water resources. Spilled gasoline or diesel, on the other hand, can quickly contaminate these resources.

3. Propane is only getting cleaner

The energy source itself is seeing innovation and in the near future, more propane will be made from renewable sources. Renewable propane is a byproduct of the renewable diesel and jet fuel production process, which converts plant and vegetable oils, waste greases, and animal fat into energy. Because it’s produced from renewable, raw materials, renewable propane is even cleaner than conventional propane—and far cleaner than other energy sources. And considering its chemical structure and physical properties are the same as traditional propane, renewable propane can be used for all the same applications.

To learn more about the environmental benefits and versatility of propane for port operations, visit Propane.com/Ports.

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Matt McDonald is the director of off-road business development for the Propane Education & Research Council. He can be reached at matt.mcdonald@propane.com.

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Port-Side Energy Debate: Propane vs. Electric

March 15th, 2021 Matt McDonald Leave a comment

Ports and terminals across the country are looking for opportunities to streamline their operation, reduce their environmental impact, and increase efficiency, which leads to a common question: What alternative energy keeps ports productive while cutting emissions?

Both propane and electric solutions offer certain operational benefits. For example, electric equipment produces zero emissions during operation and offers reliable performance when handling lighter loads. Propane equipment, on the other hand, is popular for its nonstop power, resiliency, and versatility to handle loads of all sizes.

It’s important to consider which energy source can help you get the most out of your workday and your equipment. Propane-powered equipment can help ports maximize efficiency, while still allowing port crews to be proud stewards of the environment. And because propane is a primary energy source and electricity is a secondary energy source, it takes more energy to produce electricity, impacting its cleanliness, efficiency, and cost.

A transparent look at site-to-source emissions

As ports and terminals seeking reduced emissions and better air quality flee from traditional fuels, like gasoline and diesel, many have a tendency to adopt an electrify-everything mindset — but a low-emissions future doesn’t need to be an electric-only one.

Propane presents another alternative to traditional diesel-powered equipment — and with a more transparent emissions profile than electricity. Many material handling professionals I speak to are surprised to learn that propane is actually cleaner than electric when you take site-to-source emissions into account.

While it’s true electric-powered equipment and vehicles produce zero emissions during operation, it’s full emissions profile and impact is often overlooked, including emissions produced in the creation and transmission of electric batteries. Additionally, you have to consider the emissions produced at coal-fired plants where electricity is generated, as well as the emissions during transportation to the port. And because the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers electric batteries a hazardous material, you can’t simply dispose of them without severely impacting the environment. Instead, they have specific handling and disposal regulations attached.

Propane, on the other hand, is an approved clean alternative fuel under the Clean Air Act of 1990 and, according to data from the Propane Education & Research Council, using propane produces 43 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than using an equivalent amount of electricity generated from the U.S. grid

Additionally, renewable propane is an emerging energy source that will be able to offer clean, low-emissions operations. Renewable propane is a byproduct of the renewable diesel and jet fuel production process, which converts plant and vegetable oils, waste greases, and animal fat into energy. Because it’s produced from renewable, raw materials, renewable propane is even cleaner than conventional propane — and far cleaner than other energy sources. And considering its chemical structure and physical properties are the same as traditional propane, renewable propane can be used for all the same applications.

Unmatched performance for maximum productivity

We all know that crews working port-side don’t have time to waste during the workday. According to IHS Markit’s Global Trade Atlas (GTA) Forecasting, North American seaports handled 2.34 billion metric tons of goods, valued at $2.53 trillion. In order to keep pace with the demanding workload and efficiently perform heavy-duty tasks, crews need powerful, versatile equipment.

Battery-powered forklifts and electric vehicles can be a compelling solution when handling lighter tasks, but performance in a port setting is really where propane sets itself apart. Propane offers the versatility to handle virtually every workload size and most notably, dominates the middle and top weight classes of forklifts with 90 percent of Class 4 and 5 forklifts being powered by propane. This means you can look to propane for a one-fuel solution, plus you won’t have to schedule downtime for recharging, like with electric.

Reliability when you need it most

Port cities are historic, which often means they’re relying on much older energy grids. But because of their relentless workload, it’s important for port operations to be as independent and autonomous with their energy source as possible. Fortunately, propane is a dependable, resilient energy source that can be stored on-site so it’s always there when you need it.

To learn more about the benefits of port-side propane equipment, visit Propane.com/Ports.

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Matt McDonald is the director of off-road business development for the Propane Education & Research Council. He can be reached at matt.mcdonald@propane.com.

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5 Port Applications You May Be Surprised Can Run on Propane

February 15th, 2021 Jeremy Wishart Leave a comment

In order to keep pace with international shipping activity in ports across the globe, crews need efficient, reliable material handling equipment. While there are several energy sources available to power port equipment, many are finding that propane can be a go-to fuel for a wide variety of port applications.

Propane has been a trusted engine fuel in the transportation sector for both on- and off-road vehicles for several decades, backed by the most trusted engine and fuel system manufacturers — including Power Solutions International, Agility, Origin, and Cummins, to name a few. Manufacturers are producing propane solutions in a variety of horsepower and applications, granting the versatility to tackle both land- and sea-side tasks.

Beyond its versatility to provide a port-wide energy solution, propane offers key advantages over other energy sources, like diesel and electric, in terms of emissions, air quality, and cost savings.

Here are five popular port applications that can run on propane:

1. Forklifts

When it comes to forklifts, people may first think of electric for low-emissions indoor operation or diesel for outdoor heavy lifting — but propane can do it all. In fact, propane is an ideal fuel for material handling. Propane-powered forklifts keep crews more productive because they don’t lose power throughout the workday and a fast, easy cylinder change gets them back in business quickly. Employees don’t have to worry about downtime for recharging, like with electric equipment.

Plus, unlike diesel, propane equipment can be safely operated indoors and outdoors, because of its clean, low-emissions profile. Propane forklifts beat electric equipment, too, when you take upstream, site-to-source emissions into account. Site-to-source emissions include those produced at power plants where electricity is generated — many of which are still coal-fired — as well as the emissions during transportation to the facility.

2. Port and Terminal Tractors

TICO Manufacturing recently launched a new propane terminal tractor powered by PSI’s emissions-certified 8.8-liter engine. TICO Pro-Spotter terminal tractors are widely used in distribution centers, rail terminals, and ports to move semi-trailers and shipping containers.

Propane autogas engines provide uncompromised power, performance, fuel efficiency, and flexibility to any user. Plus, according to data from the Argonne National Laboratory, propane autogas terminal tractors produce 12 percent fewer lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline-powered terminal tractors.

3. Light-Duty Vehicles

Propane autogas can power a variety of light-duty vehicles including shuttle vans, trucks, and security vehicles. Light-duty fleet vehicles are available from major manufacturers — as both OEM-dedicated vehicles and EPA/CARB-certified aftermarket conversions.

Businesses of all sizes are looking to propane autogas for its cost savings and reduced emissions and ports shouldn’t be an exception. Propane autogas provides the lowest total cost-of-ownership of any fuel, in part because of its reliable performance and low costs for fuel, infrastructure, and maintenance. Plus, they are typically less expensive to purchase than electric and natural gas vehicles and they can save up to 50 percent on fuel costs compared to gasoline and diesel.

Propane autogas vehicles reduce NOx emissions by up to 36 percent compared to diesel vehicles, greenhouse gas emissions by up to 22 percent compared to gasoline vehicles, and up to 45 percent less particulate matter than electric vehicles throughout the full fuel cycle. And beyond its lowest total-cost-of ownership and reduced emissions, propane autogas vehicles also help crews eliminate downtime linked to maintenance and diesel repairs.

4. Medium-Duty Vehicles

Propane autogas delivery trucks are gaining popularity in other industries in which larger loads are moving from point A to point B and reliability is key. Take the food and beverage industry, for instance. Well respected companies like Nestle Waters and Schwan’s Home Service rely on Roush CleanTech medium-duty propane autogas vehicles for product deliveries. New technology is even allowing for larger refrigeration trucks to be powered by propane autogas, too. For example, Roush CleanTech recently displayed its 2019 F-750 refrigerated van at the 2020 NTEA Work Truck Show.

5. Shore Power

Beyond powering on- and off-road vehicles, propane can provide stationary and mobile power generation for port facilities, too. Shore power, which is sometimes referred to as cold-ironing or alternative marine power, is an effective way of reducing air emissions and improving local air quality. One way to provide ports with shore power is with commercial propane generators. By incorporating propane as a power solution, ports alleviate the need, and reliance, on grid-based shore power options.

As propane technology continues to evolve, it can provide port operations with a number of key advantages compared to other energy sources including increased energy efficiency, energy security and resiliency, cost savings, and the versatility to tackle a wide variety of applications.

Plus, crews don’t want to be bothered with multiple fuel types and energy sources to complete different types of jobs. Fortunately, propane can handle various load sizes, operate indoors or outside, and even operate on- or off-road and land- or sea-side. Visit Propane.com to learn more about the power and versatility of propane.

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Jeremy Wishart is director of off-road business development for the Propane Education & Research Council. He can be reached at jeremy.wishart@propane.com.

Propane Revolutionizes Energy Resilience: Celebrating National Propane Day 2023

1. Propane-powered equipment reduces emissions

2. Propane is environmentally friendly

3. Propane is only getting cleaner

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