While it might sound like an exotic product still far from being fielded, renewable propane is really just that—propane—but captured from feedstocks, bio-based, or renewable sources. Touted by the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) as having “the same great features as conventional propane…but with even lower carbon emissions…” providers across the industry are starting to roll out this new option to customers.
Pinnacle Propane is at the forefront of this transition, launching its renewable propane program in Texas as part of a phased approach to increase availability nationwide. Back in August 2024, we spoke with Dingeman Kooijman, Pinnacle’s Vice President of Commercial Strategy and Analytics, about the company’s strategy and vision for renewable propane. In today’s piece, we’ll give you the TL:DR on the specifics Dingeman shared with us so you can walk away feeling knowledgeable about this exciting frontier in the propane market.
Implementing Renewable Propane: A Phased Approach
Since early 2024, Pinnacle Propane has been phasing renewable propane into its offerings. Because it’s so new to the market, it made sense to implement a three-pronged approach, starting with customer education.
- Raising Awareness. Most customers don’t know much about this new product (understandably), so educating customers about the benefits of renewable propane is key to initial adoption.
- Providing Flexible Adoption Options. Every customer has different opinions and preferences on how important sustainability is to them or their company’s mission, and it’s unrealistic to think that everyone will want to adopt 100% renewable propane right away. With that in mind, Pinnacle offers a tiered system for gradual adoption on the sustainability journey:
- “Good”: 20% renewable propane
- “Better”: 50% renewable propane
- “Best”: 100% renewable propane
- Advocating for Favorable Policies. Leadership at Pinnacle are aware of the fact that a favorable policy environment is crucial to ensuring wider adoption of renewable propane. By collaborating with policymakers through organizations like the Low Carbon Fuel Coalition and PERC’s Leadership in Energy Ambassador program to support low-carbon fuel standards, Pinnacle is taking proactive steps to advocate for renewable propane’s place on the energy stage.
Why Renewable Propane Matters in Today’s Energy Market
Pinnacle’s commitment to renewable propane aligns with its core purpose: caring for generations to come. When we talked with Dingeman, he explained this as “a promise to shape a future for our customers.” As energy policies change, the company views renewable propane as a proactive step toward a more sustainable future thanks to its benefits, including:
- Lower Carbon Emissions. It sounds incredible, but it’s true: customers can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 80% with a 100% renewable propane blend.
- Energy Resilience. With a supply that’s as abundant as it is sustainable, renewable propane is an alternative that helps businesses remain competitive regardless of changing regulations.
- Customer Choice. Businesses can transition at their own pace with flexible renewable propane options.
Why Transportation Leads the Renewable Propane Rollout
While there are plenty of industries that would benefit from adopting renewable propane, the transportation sector has been using it significantly since 2023, making it an ideal starting point for Pinnacle’s program. Key reasons include:
- Existing Infrastructure. Many propane-powered vehicles and equipment are already in use, making integration seamless. There’s no need to retrofit gear or change systems—it’s really just plug and play.
- Sustainability Goals. The transportation sector is highly regulated in terms of carbon emissions and sustainability. With companies and public transit agencies under significant pressure to actively seek cleaner energy alternatives, renewable propane is a welcome shift.
- Cost-Effectiveness. Fleets and transportation companies operate on thin margins. Since renewable propane offers greater sustainability without massive investments in new technology or infrastructure, it resonates strongly with customers in these industries.
Impact on Specific Sectors
When you dig deeper into specific sectors within transit, the tangible benefits of renewable propane become a little easier to quantify. For example, for public transit systems, renewable propane reduces greenhouse gas emissions and lowers total cost of ownership relative to electric and diesel options. With school transportation, students get improved air quality, and the lower costs can help school districts re-invest savings into educational pursuits. And for forklift companies, propane provides better performance and less downtime than electric-powered alternatives.
Messaging That Drives Adoption
To encourage businesses to make the switch, Pinnacle is focusing on messaging that resonates with decision-makers at companies and institutions, including:
- Public Health Impact. In schools and urban areas, nobody wants more exposure to harmful emissions like particulates and nitrogen oxides. In line with that, Pinnacle highlights how this fuel can lead to cleaner air and contribute to better respiratory health.
- Climate Change Mitigation. For many companies, embracing any fuel or technology that can help combat climate change is a win-win. Showcasing renewable propane’s role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions helps customers understand the imperative to switch.
- Seamless Integration. While it may not move the needle as much as health or climate, emphasizing the ease of adoption (without infrastructure overhauls) goes a long way towards making customers comfortable with trying renewable propane.
Expansion Plans: Texas and Beyond
Pinnacle’s renewable propane program is already gaining traction in Texas, with plans to expand into additional states like New Mexico over time. Strategic partnerships with businesses and local governments will play a key role in the rollout. Additionally, customer education initiatives will highlight the environmental and economic benefits of renewable propane, driving further adoption.
The TL:DR—Key Takeaways from the Austin Rollout
As Pinnacle rolls out renewable propane in Austin, three key lessons stand out:
- Environmental Benefits Are Clear. Businesses see real, measurable reductions in carbon emissions.
- Integration Is Seamless. Renewable propane is still propane, so existing infrastructure supports easy adoption.
- Education Is Essential. Customers need to understand why renewable propane is superior for use to increase. Raising awareness is the first step to accelerating wider adoption.
By leading the charge in renewable propane, Pinnacle Propane is helping shape the future of sustainable energy—one step at a time. Check out our blog here for updates as Pinnacle continues its expansion and advocacy efforts!
