PERC Energy Efficiency Research Program Expands to Include Fuel Cell Technology

RICHMOND, VA (Jan. 22, 2026) — The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is expanding the Alternative Technology Demonstration & Research Program to include solid oxide fuel cells. 

Launched in 2025, the program collects data from participating commercial and industrial businesses to inform research about propane use, specifically with the adoption of propane-powered cooling and combined heat & power (CHP) equipment. 

“When talking with commercial building professionals about energy reliability and efficiency, we found that fuel cells fit perfectly into the conversation alongside CHP and propane cooling,” said Bert Warner, director of commercial business development at PERC. “Together, these advanced propane technologies are allowing businesses to think beyond the electric grid when it comes to powering operations. The Alternative Technology Demonstration & Research Program accelerates adoption and provides valuable data in the process.” 

To participate, visit Propane.com/AltTech to determine eligibility and to complete an application. Once approved, participants must purchase qualifying propane equipment and complete a survey about their facilities’ performance, emissions, costs, and energy savings following the installation. 

The compensation offered for the qualifying equipment includes: 

• $20,000 per site for solid oxide fuel cells
• $30,000 for propane CHP units greater than 15kW
• $12,000 for propane CHP units less than 15kW
• $300/ton for propane cooling equipment ranging from light commercial (5T-25T) to heavy commercial (100T+) 

Solid oxide fuel cells convert the energy of fuels such as propane into electricity and heat through electrochemical reactions. The result is a highly efficient power generation system that runs quietly and cleanly, producing far fewer emissions than popular diesel systems. Propane’s high energy density and ease of transport make propane fuel cells ideal for remote, portable, or hybrid power systems. 

Propane-powered CHP units enhance energy efficiency by capturing heat that would otherwise be wasted during electricity generation. This advanced technology can significantly reduce energy costs, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and provide reliable on-site power, making it an ideal choice for commercial applications. 

Propane cooling systems can meet various needs such as comfort conditioning, process cooling, dehumidification, medium-temperature refrigeration, and extreme ambient operations. The systems operate like traditional cooling systems but use propane to power the compressor or ignite the gas burner, reducing electricity use by up to 90%.

Funding is limited, and early applications are encouraged.