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Powering the Digital Age
P
al Ag
e
g th
e Digit
ead NPGA’s newly-published analysis of pro-
pane’s role in low-emissions data center infra-
structure in Powering the Digital Age. Learn
Rhow the rapid expansion of data centers is a
defining challenge for the U.S. energy system.
Data center facilities are no longer niche com-
ponents of the digital economy but critical infrastruc-
ture underpinning commerce, communication, and
national competitiveness. Their extraordinary growth
trajectory is colliding with a power sector already
strained by transmission bottlenecks, interconnection
delays, and decarbonization initiatives. Propane merits
serious consideration as part of the data center energy
portfolio. Its attributes—portable storage, indefinite
shelf life, nationwide delivery infrastructure, and signifi-
cantly lower emissions than diesel—position propane
as a fuel capable of bridging immediate reliability needs
with longer-term sustainability goals.
For more information, contact Austin Wicker,
NPGA Senior Manager State Affairs.■
e Red
Propan
Propane Reduces Coal Use in the U.S.
e U.S.
uces Coal Use in
th
s recently reported by the U.S. Energy
Information Administration, two electricity
markets in the middle of the country, the
AMidcontinent Independent System Operator
(MISO) and Southwest Power Pool (SPP), still gener-
ate more electricity from coal than natural gas during
portions of the year, especially over the winter months
“when demand for space heating and related demand
for electricity increases.”
Coal, of course, is extremely carbon-intensive
and its use impacts local air and water quality. Unlike
propane, coal is toxic and can contaminate land and
water resources. Notably, the MISO and SPP markets include
states with some of the largest propane consumption
Importantly, the use of propane for residential in the country, including: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Mich-
and commercial space heating applications, such as igan, Minnesota, Missouri, Texas, and Wisconsin. For
furnaces, boilers, and fireplaces, reduces demand on more information, contact NPGA’s Senior Director of
the bulk electricity grid and, particularly in MISO and State Affairs, Jacob Peterson.■
SPP states, corresponding coal use.
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