Most people are familiar with propane. Large silver-colored tanks are often used to store propane intended to heat rural homes and propane is a common fuel used in backyard cooking grills. But behind these humble cylinders is a surprisingly complex and fascinating story—one that connects chemistry, energy infrastructure, and even global efforts to tackle climate change.
Propane has been around for more than a century, yet it still plays a crucial role in how homes are heated, crops are dried, and even how forklifts are powered. So, why has it not faded out in the age of wind turbines and solar panels, when many other fuels have? The answer begins by understanding what propane is and how it’s made.
What Is Propane and Where Does It Come from?
At its core, propane is a hydrocarbon. Its chemical formula is C 3 H 8, meaning three carbon atoms and eight hydrogen atoms. It is this structure that makes it possible to burn so efficiently and so cleanly compared to heavier fuels like diesel or coal. When it burns properly, propane mostly emits water vapor and carbon dioxide.
Propane doesn’t get pumped straight out of the ground like oil. Instead, it’s mostly a byproduct of two other processes: natural gas processing and crude oil refining. When raw natural gas is pulled from the earth, there are a variety of other components mixed in—ethane, butane, propane, and other gases. Those are separated out at processing plants using temperature and pressure. Similarly, when crude oil is refined into products like gasoline or jet fuel, propane is separated as part of the process. It is at this point that it is compressed into a liquid, making it easier for both storage and transportation.
“Most people don’t realize propane is like a bonus fuel,” said Brad Brooks, supply and logistics director at DCC Propane. “It’s not drilled for directly, but we get millions of gallons of it just by processing other fuels.”
And because propane liquifies under pressure, it’s also extremely compact. That’s why it is hugely beneficial in rural areas or anywhere the electric grid isn’t reachable.
In This Issue
Full issueWhy Is Propane So Important?
Propane is incredibly energy dense. In fact, a single gallon provides about 91,500 Btus. For context, that’s enough energy to maintain a reasonably insulated 1,200-square-foot home at 70F for about four hours on a 32F day.
It’s also very versatile. Homes use it for heat, cooking, and hot water; farmers use it to dry corn and run irrigation engines; and businesses, including restaurants, manufacturing plants, and warehouses, use it for a variety of other purposes.
Propane also works when other systems fail. During power outages, propane generators often help keep the lights on. And, unlike electric heat pumps, which can falter in freezing temperatures, propane furnaces keep going. “There’s something to be said for a fuel you can store onsite and depend on, especially in the face of adverse weather conditions,” Brooks added.
The propane industry has done everything within its power to ensure it isn’t stuck in the past. In fact, it’s been quietly embracing new tech. Smart tank monitoring now allows suppliers to track usage remotely and schedule refills automatically. High-efficiency propane appliances are also helping to reduce fuel usage. In transportation, newer propane engines are hitting emissions targets, a result that even surprised some regulators.
A Surprising Contender in the Sustainability Space
While propane is technically a fossil fuel, there’s more to the story. When compared to coal or gasoline, propane releases far fewer greenhouse gases per unit of energy. It also produces almost zero particulates and no mercury or lead. In addition, there’s “renewable propane,” which is made from organic feedstocks like plant oils and animal fats. It’s chemically identical to regular propane but can cut emissions by up to 80%. That’s a huge deal in industries where electrifying isn’t so simple, such as agriculture or heavy transport.
The reason propane remains so relevant isn’t just about the science, however; it’s about the practicality that propane offers. Propane is already integrated into millions of homes and businesses, meaning it doesn’t need new infrastructure. It’s reliable, cost-effective, and now, more than ever before, it is becoming cleaner and smarter. During emergencies, it backs up hospitals, fire stations, and communication systems. And as federal policies move toward energy diversification, propane finds itself in a rather sweet spot: it is not in the way of renewables but has found a way to work alongside them.
“People talk about an ‘all-of-the-above’ energy strategy,” Brooks continued, “propane fits that vision perfectly. It’s here now, it works, and it complements where we’re heading.”
Propane might not have the headline appeal of wind turbines or solar farms, but it’s quietly doing the work. With science, innovation, and smart policy behind it, propane isn’t just a relic from the past—it’s a fuel with a future. Next time you see a propane tank alongside or behind a house, you might find yourself viewing it a little differently.
—Reena Mistry is sales and marketing director at DCC Propane.
