Several myths exist around liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). We are diving into these misconceptions and revealing the truth behind them.
Myth: Propane is not safe for the environment.
Fact: Propane is a liquid when stored but turns into a gas when released into the air without harming the ozone. This means it cannot contaminate groundwater, drinking water, marine ecosystems or sensitive habitat if released.
Myth: Electricity is better than fossil fuels.
Fact: In the U.S., the largest primary energy sources used for electricity generation are natural gas and coal. Once a primary energy source generates electricity, it must immediately transmit it through power lines. As it travels from its generation source, the electrons flowing through the power lines encounter resistance and lose energy.
Myth: Propane isn’t a renewable energy.
Fact: The Propane Education & Research Council supports the production of renewable propane from animal fats and cooking oils. Bio-diesel refineries convert these fats and oils into biodiesel after this process occurs.
Myth: Propane is not a clean energy.
Fact: Propane is one of the cleanest fuels for carbon emissions. It has lower carbon emissions compared to other fuels, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).
Myth: Propane is not energy efficient.
Fact: Liquid propane has a higher energy density than ethanol, methanol and liquefied natural gas. This means propane vehicles go farther on a tank of fuel than most other liquid alternative fuels.
Myth: Propane isn’t a safe fuel for vehicles.
Fact: Just like conventional vehicles, propane vehicles must comply with all applicable regulations, including Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Propane is safer than gasoline and diesel because of lower ignition risk. This is because it has a higher autoignition temperature. This means that propane needs more heat to catch fire without a spark or flame.
Myth: Using propane causes air pollution.
Fact: Propane vehicles cut greenhouse gas emissions by almost 10%, as per the Argonne National Laboratory GREET model. Propane autogas vehicles emit less nitrogen oxide (NOx) and sulfur oxide (SOx) than diesel and electric vehicles. They also produce less particulate matter.
Myth: Propane isn’t really any better than diesel or gasoline.
Fact: Propane fuel has a lower carbon content than conventional gasoline and diesel fuel. That's why the Clean Air Act of 1990 listed propane as an approved clean alternative fuel.
Myth: Propane is a fossil fuel, and all fossil fuels are bad.
Fact: When purifying methane for commercial use, people consider propane as a clean energy alternative. It sits close to renewable energy sources on the carbon continuum. This is why the EPA and the Energy Policy Act of 1992 recognize propane as a clean energy alternative.
Myth: Propane’s uses are limited. It’s mainly for gas grills in people’s backyards.
Fact: Propane is a versatile alternative fuel classified as an alternative fuel under the Energy Policy Act of 1992. Nearly 12 million U.S. households use it for residential purposes, and millions of Americans use it for transportation, commercial, industrial, and agricultural applications.
