Renewable Propane: Canada’s Step Forward in Sustainable Energy

The propane industry in North America is evolving in response to the demand for cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions. Propane Levac Inc., a family-owned business based in Ontario, Canada, is dedicated to taking a lead in this shift. In January 2025, Propane Levac became the first company to receive a railcar of 100% renewable propane to be broadly marketed in Canada. This milestone marks a commitment to reducing emissions and transitioning to cleaner energy solutions for homes, businesses, farms and industries all across Canada.

This historic event, held at Propane Levac and LGP Energy’s rail terminal in Prescott, Ontario, marks an important development for the Canadian propane market. Although renewable propane is currently produced mainly in the United States, Propane Levac’s initiative demonstrates the potential for cross-border collaboration and market expansion. Our company’s goal is to eventually see renewable propane produced in Canada, with continued support from industry partners, government initiatives and the growing demand for sustainable energy.

As governments at all levels develop strategies to reduce emissions, both conventional and renewable propane offer a clear path forward. Propane is a lower-emission, vital energy source across Canada, particularly for rural areas and industries such as agriculture, transportation and manufacturing. Renewable propane has the same great features as conventional propane, but with even lower carbon emissions. With minimal infrastructure changes needed, renewable propane can be seamlessly integrated into existing systems, enabling an immediate reduction in emissions without sacrificing performance or reliability.

As the president of Propane Levac, I’m committed to promoting sustainability across the company. While focusing on the company’s expansion and innovation, I still always want to maintain a deep respect for its roots. Propane Levac has grown from a small agricultural business to a regional propane distributor, with over 40,000 customers across Ontario and Quebec. The focus on sustainability aligns with our company’s ongoing efforts to provide cleaner energy solutions and reduce the environmental impact of propane use.

As I said during the event, “We are excited to introduce renewable propane to a broader segment of the Canadian market. This milestone is more than just the arrival of a product. It’s a step forward in our commitment to sustainability and providing cleaner energy solutions. This is a journey, and we are committed to continuously seeking new ways to innovate and drive further emissions reductions.”

The Importance of Renewable Propane

Why is renewable propane such an important step for the industry? For starters, it offers significant potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By using renewable feedstocks like plant oils, used cooking oil and agricultural waste, renewable propane significantly lowers the carbon footprint of propane without compromising performance. It integrates seamlessly with existing propane systems, allowing for an easy transition for consumers.

This means businesses and homeowners can continue using their current appliances and infrastructure while reducing their environmental impact. Most importantly, renewable propane can reduce life cycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 85% compared to conventional propane, depending on production methods. (For more information, visit the Canadian Propane Association’s website at propane.ca.)

Renewable propane also addresses the growing demand for cleaner energy sources in a way that complements existing energy systems. The renewable propane industry is still in its early stages, but it is expected to grow as production capabilities increase and demand rises. Propane Levac’s commitment to bringing renewable propane to the Canadian market is part of a larger vision to ensure that Canada’s energy future is more sustainable and that propane continues to play an integral role in the energy mix.

As I expressed during the event, we believe it is our responsibility to take the first step and begin reducing emissions. With this first commercial shipment of renewable propane, we hope to set the stage for future innovations in clean energy.

Looking to the Future

While the event in Prescott, Ontario, marks an important step in the evolution of renewable propane, there is still much work to be done. Propane Levac’s goal is to see renewable propane production expanded within Canada, reducing the need for cross-border shipments and supporting local industries. This will require collaboration from the government, industry partners and stakeholders to build the necessary infrastructure, encourage investment and provide incentives that make renewable propane more affordable and accessible to Canadians.

According to Clint Cameron, director of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, “Access to affordable energy sources is a significant priority for farmers in Eastern Ontario and right across the province. Many Ontario farm businesses and rural communities rely on propane as a key part of their energy mix, and we welcome innovation that will advance our province’s energy infrastructure and support cleaner energy sources.”

Canada’s propane industry has a long-standing history of providing reliable, affordable energy, especially for rural and remote areas. Renewable propane offers a new opportunity to reduce carbon emissions while ensuring that these communities can continue to rely on propane as a vital energy source. With support from the government and private sector, Canada has the opportunity to expand the use of renewable propane into its energy landscape.

“Bringing renewable propane to Canada is a big win for the global energy industry,” said World Liquid Gas Association Business Development Director Cinch Munson. “This is a great example of how the LPG industry continues to meet market demands with clean energy solutions that benefit our customers, the planet and the economy.”

As demand for sustainable energy solutions grow, renewable propane represents a practical, scalable solution that can meet the energy needs of households, businesses and industries while significantly reducing carbon emissions. By pioneering the introduction of renewable propane in Canada, Propane Levac is meeting current energy needs and driving positive change while helping to ensure that future generations can enjoy a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.