Written on: December 16, 2024
Propane is a widely used fuel source for heating, cooking, and powering various appliances, especially in rural areas and industries without access to natural gas lines. Despite its everyday applications, many people don’t know where propane actually comes from. So let’s explore propane’s origins, from its production to how it ends up in homes and businesses around the world.
Propane is a hydrocarbon and a type of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), meaning it’s a gaseous fuel that can be liquefied for ease of storage and transport. It primarily comes from two sources: natural gas processing and crude oil refining. Both methods play a vital role in producing propane, but the majority of the supply in North America comes from natural gas extraction.
Once extracted from natural gas or crude oil, propane is transported in its liquid form to storage facilities and distribution centers. Because propane becomes a liquid under moderate pressure, it’s relatively easy and safe to store and transport in tanks. Distribution companies then move it to end-users via pipelines, tanker trucks, and even rail cars. For consumer use, propane is stored in smaller, pressurized tanks or larger cylinders, depending on the application.
Propane is popular because of its high energy content, portability, and relatively clean-burning properties compared to other fossil fuels. When burned, it releases fewer pollutants, including carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, making it an environmentally friendly option for heating and cooking. It’s also very versatile, used in residential heating, outdoor grilling, agriculture, and even some vehicles.
As the world moves toward cleaner energy sources, propane is positioned as a bridge fuel between traditional fossil fuels and renewable energy. Researchers are exploring ways to produce propane from renewable sources like biomass, which could further reduce its carbon footprint. Additionally, propane’s clean-burning properties make it an attractive option for businesses looking to lower emissions without a drastic overhaul of infrastructure.
Downey Energy is a reliable propane provider. You can count on us to deliver for you. And if you enroll in our automatic delivery plan, being a Downey Energy propane customer will get even easier, because you won’t have to remember to call. We’ll schedule your deliveries and make sure that you never run too low. However, if you prefer to track your propane usage and schedule deliveries yourself, we also offer a will-call propane delivery option.
Whether you schedule deliveries yourself or sign up to become one of our automatic delivery customers, propane delivery couldn’t be easier. Our delivery drivers don’t need to enter your home to access your propane tank, so there’s no need to adjust your schedule to be there when we deliver.
Downey Energy also offers our propane customers 24/7 emergency service. If you need us, we’ll be there.
When you’re a Downey Energy customer, you get propane delivery you can count on. Contact us today to learn more.
