When discussing the Canadian energy landscape or looking towards Canada’s energy future, an alternative fuel that is almost always discussed is propane. Are you familiar with this fuel and the variety of its potential uses and benefits? As a clean-burning, non-toxic resource, propane suppliers have utilized the fuel for decades to power our vehicles and heat our homes, along with numerous other applications. Classified as a liquified petroleum gas or “LPG”, propane is used in millions of households as a clean and reliable energy source. In this blog, we will outline the six must-know facts and benefits of propane in Canada, focusing on its safety, versatility, cleanliness, convenience, cost-effectiveness, and immediacy. For additional information, you can visit propane suppliers Invermere to learn more!
1. It’s Safe
Did you know that propane is considered to be one of the safest fuel options available? While it is highly combustible, similar to fuels such as gasoline, propane suppliers believe it to be an advantageous alternative because in order for it to ignite, it must be present in much higher concentrations and at higher temperatures. Additionally, it is non-toxic, non-poisonous, insoluble in water, and lead-free. When an odorant is added to propane, it releases a significantly “skunky” smell that assists in easily detecting a leak, providing a highly beneficial safety feature in comparison to other conventional fuel types.
2. It’s Versatile
Commonly known as a multi-purpose fuel, propane possesses a wide range of versatility that makes it suitable for many different forms and applications. For instance, it can be utilized for home heating, water heating, cooking and outdoor living, all within a single household alone! Additionally, propane suppliers can use the alternative fuel on farms for crop drying and sanitization, for our daily transportation, forklift trucks and hot air balloons!
3. It’s Clean
Another significant reason why propane is utilized so frequently is because of its significant environmental benefits. Within the range of propane’s many uses, it produces notably fewer Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions compared to other conventional energy sources, such as gasoline or diesel. It also contains fewer toxic pollutants! According to the Government of Canada, using propane as an alternative fuel in factory-built vehicles could also reduce GHG emissions by nearly 20-25 percent in light-duty vehicles on a life-cycle (well-to-wheel) basis.
4. It’s Convenient
One of the best things about propane is its sheer convenience – environmentally, societally and economically! Since Canada is one of the largest producers of propane in the world, all of the propane in Canada ultimately comes from Canadian sources. This brings a wide range of economic and social benefits to Canadians. Additionally, this alternative fuel is positioned to assist Canada within the energy transition, moving away from high-carbon fuels towards reaching national climate goals such as a 30% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030.
5. It’s Cost-Effective
As we mentioned above, there is a great abundance of propane within Canada! This gives Canadians the opportunity for stable and affordable long-term pricing. Costing on average about 40% less on an energy equivalent basis over gasoline, affordability is advantageous on both the consumer and operational levels. In addition, propane possesses more stability in terms of price volatility, resulting in reliable pricing for Canadians.
6. It’s Immediate
With questions and concerns mounting over the continuing effects of climate change and global warming, propane possesses a highly advantageous quality that is more than desirable – immediacy. While other renewable energy resources may require lengthy installation times, significantly increased costs, and other impediments, propane stands out in its ability to assist Canada instantaneously in combating emissions. Without the necessity for large-scale
Infrastructure spending or further technological advancements, propane has the ability and capacity to target climate concerns now.
Final Thoughts
As Canada navigates the pathway towards net zero and looks to achieve climate goals for 2030, propane is undoubtedly a considerable and significant alternative fuel resource to consider. Whether you are looking at the advantageous safety features propane has over other conventional fuel types, the versatility of its applications across industries, or its potential to assist Canada in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the benefits are seemingly endless. If you’re looking to learn more about this alternative fuel, you can find more information from your propane suppliers in Invermere!