Propane Supports the Needs of Current, Future Energy Transition
Bert Warner of the Propane Education & Research Council identifies three growth opportunities for propane: portable power generation, EV charging, and combined heat-and-power.
At POWERGEN 2025, Turbomachinery International spoke with Bert Warner, Director of Commercial Business Development at the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), and Jim Crouse, the President and CEO of Capstone Engineered Solutions. The duo discussed the apprehension surrounding further propane integration, trends and growth opportunities, and where PERC sees the energy source in 10 years.
TURBO: What are the current roadblocks to widespread propane integration in the power generation industry?
Warner: A challenge is that it’s still seen as a fossil fuel, which can be seen as a polarizing thing. As we traverse the future, we need diversity when it comes to our energy sources. We need electric, natural gas, hydrogen, propane to face the challenges we have. I think it gives propane an opportunity due to the green aspects, economic viability, and its additional benefits. It’s a first-choice energy as opposed to a solutions-based energy.
Crouse: There are more perceived roadblocks than actual roadblocks. We find that customers tend to do what they’ve done last time. They have to be educated and receive the information needed to make a different decision. Working with PERC, we can help educate customers about other options in the marketplace.
TURBO: What are the latest trends in propane power generation technologies?
Warner: There are three areas that are growth opportunities: portable power generation, electric vehicle (EV) charging, and combined heat-and-power (CHP). These are the segments with significant need and demand, and companies like 2G and Claris are putting together portable propane-fired charger. It encompasses both a CHP unit and the propane side of it, so a few different systems are working together to provide a portable system that’s really unmatched.
