Environmental Benefits

Propane is a low carbon, clean-burning energy source that emits virtually no air pollutants, and is safely transported and used across Canada every day.

Compared to other fuels, propane’s utilization helps to improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and protect the environment.

 

Lowering GHG Emissions

Recognized for its low emissions and environmental impact by Canada’s Alternative Fuels Act, propane is one of the cleanest and most versatile fuels in existence.

Studies have found that propane can emit up to 26% fewer GHGs than gasoline in vehicles, 38% fewer GHGs than fuel oil in furnaces and half the carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions of a charcoal barbecue.

Propane’s end-use GHG emissions are significantly lower than gasoline, diesel, coal and heating oil. When upstream (lifecycle) emissions are taken into account, the case for propane becomes even stronger.

 

 

Reducing Air Pollutants

Air pollutants negatively affect people and ecosystems worldwide. Criteria air contaminants and air toxins contribute to air pollution problems such as ground-level ozone, haze and acid rain; and health problems such as allergies, asthma, skin and respiratory tract irritation, and cancer.

Propane emits 60% less carbon monoxide (CO) than gasoline, 98% less particulate matter than diesel and contains virtually no sulphur – a contributor to acid rain. It emits practically no soot, and low hydrogen and oxides of nitrogen, which are the basic precursors of ground-level ozone, or smog. Burning propane also produces lower levels of air toxins, such as benzene and acetaldehyde, than either gasoline or diesel.

 

Eliminating Spills

In the unlikely event of a leak, propane becomes a vapour that does not contaminate the soil, air or aquifers, unlike liquid fuels. Propane dissipates quickly into the atmosphere – a small amount of air movement is enough to disperse the vapour.

This is especially important when operating in environmentally sensitive areas such as farms, nature reserves or by water.

 

No Fugitive Emission Impacts

‘Fugitive emissions’ is a term for gas that escapes into the atmosphere before it is combusted. Propane is a smart environmental choice when it comes to such emissions, particularly when compared to natural gas, as it is not a greenhouse gas and has no impact on the atmosphere if accidentally released prior to combustion.

Natural gas (methane) however, is a potent greenhouse gas in its unburnt state. Up to 5% of natural gas is inadvertently released during transmission, prior to use. This unburnt methane generates 25 times more greenhouse impact on the atmosphere than CO₂.

 

Climate Change Policy

Climate Change Solutions

Propane can play a vital role by:

• Helping to lower emissions in our largest emitting sector – transportation – by utilizing low-emission vehicle technology that is available now.
• Strengthening infrastructure resiliency planning and risk management by providing a backup energy source at vulnerable public facilities.
• Acting as a reliable and portable backup energy source to be used in conjunction with renewables.
• Lowering emissions and improving health outcomes in rural and remote communities that use diesel or fuel oil.

 

Carbon Pricing

Carbon pricing will increase by $15 per year starting in 2023, rising to $170 per tonne of carbon pollution in 2030.

According to the federal government, “the increasing price will make cleaner options more affordable and discourage pollution-intensive investments.” (Source: Government of Canada: A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy)

Propane checks all the boxes. Propane emits fewer GHGs than almost any other carbon-based fuel. As a result, as the federal fuel surcharge increases to $170 per tonne by 2030,  low-emission propane is not only a cleaner but much more affordable option than gasoline and diesel.

 

Price/tonne	$20	$30	$40	$50	$65	$80	$95	$110	$125	$140	$155	$170
	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024	2025	2026	2027	2028	2029	2030
Diesel	5.37	8.05	10.73	13.41	17.43	21.45	25.47	29.49	33.51	37.53	41.55	45.57
Gasoline	4.42	6.63	8.84	11.05	14.37	17.69	21.01	24.33	27.65	30.97	34.29	37.61
Propane	3.10	4.64	6.19	7.74	10.06	12.38	14.70	17.02	19.34	21.66	23.98	26.30

FEDERAL FUEL SURCHARGE

 

 

Interested in finding out more?

Check out our printable fact sheet:

• Environmental Benefits of Propane