Written on: July 14, 2022
By Propane Gas Association of New England
On June 29, 2022, the first load of renewable propane was brought into the state of Vermont. Proctor Gas lead by Judy Taranovich, a local family-owned small business in Proctor, Vermont is leading the way in New England by introducing renewable propane to her customers. Renewable propane cuts carbon intensity by 75% and is the first step toward the development of an energy source in Vermont, that one day will have a lower carbon intensity than Vermont’s electric grid.
Over fifty people gathered at Proctor Gas today to learn about renewable propane and to celebrate the introduction of the first delivery of this innovative energy source into Vermont. Included in the crowd were over a dozen Vermont politicians who came to learn how this energy source could provide a clean solution for Vermonters.
Renewable propane has the same great features as conventional propane — reliability, portability, power, and reduced carbon emissions — but with even lower carbon emissions when compared with other energy sources. Unlike conventional propane, renewable propane can be made from a variety of renewable feedstocks. The most common form of renewable propane today is a byproduct of renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel made primarily from plant and vegetable oils, animal fats, or used cooking oil.
This marks another milestone for clean energy and this innovative renewable propane is the first step. It is critical that we have clean energy to partner with wind and solar and hydroelectric that will provide energy security to our state. Today, propane is the clean energy backup for generators, cellphone towers, hospitals, and other critical infrastructure. Because propane has no toxic chemicals and does not contain toxic heavy metals like those used in battery storage, it provides a clean alternative to energy storage, and renewable propane and renewable innovative blends will meet the clean energy needs of Vermont’s future while ensuring environmental equity.