Propane

Propane, or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is a byproduct of natural gas processing and also can be refined from petroleum. It comes in liquid form and is compressed slightly and/or cooled (propane is a liquid at –44°F). Stored under pressure inside a tank, propane turns into a colorless, odorless liquid. As pressure is released, the liquid propane vaporizes and turns into gas that is used for combustion. A growing number of vehicles are factory-built to run on propane. Many others can be converted using EPA-certified conversion systems. Conversion costs are approximately $5,000 to $10,000 for most light-duty vehicles and $10,000 to $25,000 for medium-duty vehicles.

Like natural gas, propane causes less wear on engines, saving maintenance costs. Furthermore, propane is typically 15-50% cheaper than petroleum fuels in Ohio. Propane is comparable to natural gas environmentally. It is non-toxic and presents no threat to soil, surface water, or groundwater. Propane is also domestically available and helps the US increase its energy security. Propane is the most widely used of any American fuel historically and because propane vehicle technology is well established, propane fueling stations are widely available.

Clean Fuels Ohio is coordinating statewide Propane projects into a single collaborative to leverage efforts and resources for project development and implementation. With the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the new administration’s priority on energy independence there are now more opportunities than ever to invest in Ohio’s transportation energy future. The goal of this collaborative is to advance the development of Propane infrastructure and fleet projects throughout the state.

If your company, non-profit or local government (cities, counties, transit agencies, school districts and other) is interested in exploring federal funding for these types of projects, contact Brad Couch or Andrew Conley, or call our office directly: (614) 88-GREEN – 614-884-7336.