Propane and Renewable Propane: A Cleaner Energy Solution for Agriculture
by Canadian Propane Association
Farmers have always been innovators, adopting new technologies and energy solutions to improve efficiency and sustainability. Propane has long been a trusted resource in agriculture, fueling grain dryers, heating barns, and powering essential equipment. Now, with the rise of renewable propane, farmers have an even cleaner, low-carbon energy option that delivers the same reliability they depend on while further reducing emissions.
While conventional propane already offers lower emissions compared to other traditional fuels, renewable propane and renewable dimethyl ether (rDME) are driving the industry toward an even cleaner future. Produced from organic and waste materials—such as used cooking oils and agricultural residues—these fuels provide a renewable, lower-carbon alternative that supports both environmental goals and farm operations.
Three recent developments highlight the growing role of renewable propane in Canada’s energy landscape:
- Quebec's First rDME Pilot Project: In fall 2024, Canada’s first pilot project blending rDME with propane was launched in Quebec. Led by the Association québécoise du propane, this initiative supported Covris Cooperative in Baie-du-Febvre, where the renewable blend was used in grain drying. If scaled across Quebec, this innovation could cut emissions equivalent to removing up to 6,000 vehicles from the province’s roads each year.
- Chilliwack’s Municipal Fleet Goes Green: In British Columbia, the City of Chilliwack has begun transitioning its approximately 100 propane-powered municipal vehicles to renewable propane. These vehicles, which perform essential functions like snow plowing and street sweeping, will now contribute to lower emissions while maintaining cost-effective and reliable performance.
- Renewable Propane Arrives in Eastern Canada: A limited rollout of renewable propane recently took place in Ontario and Quebec, allowing select customers to use the fuel in various applications, including homes, businesses, farms, and industries. This initiative marked an important step in evaluating renewable propane’s potential for broader adoption in the region. Clint Cameron, Director at the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) and Chair of the OFA Energy Committee, welcomed the initiative, emphasizing that a mix of conventional and renewable energy sources is essential for the sustainability of Ontario’s agriculture and rural economy.
Creating New Opportunities for Farmers
A promising aspect of renewable propane is its ability to turn underutilized farmland into a productive asset. By cultivating non-food plants such as camelina and switchgrass, farmers can produce feedstocks for renewable propane, creating an additional revenue stream while contributing to sustainable energy production.
Propane’s Proven Impact in the Transportation Sector
Propane is already delivering meaningful emissions reductions in the transportation sector. In 2023, Southland Transportation introduced 144 propane-powered school buses in Nova Scotia, cutting carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 770 metric tons annually compared to diesel. The potential impact could be even greater if these buses transitioned to renewable propane, demonstrating how clean energy solutions can scale to make an even bigger difference in the automotive sector.
As Canada moves toward a more sustainable future, both conventional and renewable propane offer practical, cost-effective solutions for agriculture. Whether it’s drying grain, heating buildings, or fuelling equipment, propane remains a dependable energy source that helps farmers reduce emissions without compromising performance. With ongoing advancements in renewable propane and rDME, the future of farming is not only more efficient but also greener and reliable.
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