CleanFUEL USA announced today during a propane education and ride and drive event its partnership with Ferrellgas Partners L.P. to install propane fueling stations across the U.S. Part of the Clean Start initiative, the Department of Energy (DOE) awarded CleanFUEL USA $12.9 million to construct the nation’s first and largest propane refueling network. Ferrellgas will support the station rollouts in 11 cities as the designated fuel partner.
The first station will be located in Dallas/Ft. Worth (DFW) and construction is expected to begin in the 3rd quarter of 2010. Following the first station in DFW, the companies have plans to build propane refueling stations in Austin, Baton Rouge, Chicago, Indianapolis, Lake Charles, New Orleans, Orlando, Phoenix, San Antonio and St. Louis. Ferrellgas will take the lead in identifying locations, securing permits, training employees, providing fuel and ongoing maintenance.
“DFW is the fourth largest metro area in the country, and includes many school districts, municipal entities and private businesses operating fleet vehicles with propane,” said Tony Dale, Ferrellgas National Director of Engine Fuels and Autogas. “Propane is the most widely used fuel after gasoline and diesel. Now CleanFUEL USA and Ferrellgas are making propane even more accessible to fleets and private users. This national fueling infrastructure project greatly enhances propane’s reputation as the ‘right now’ cleaner-burning and more economical alternative fuel.”
Today, propane is most commonly used for home heating but has become the third largest fuel used worldwide with its gaining marketshare for fleets. According to CleanFUEL USA, propane yields 87 percent less hydrocarbons and 50 percent fewer toxins than gasoline, and costs approximately 40-50 percent less per gallon than gasoline and diesel.
Pamela Burns, Dallas-Fort Worth Clean Cities Co-Coordinator said of the partnership, “As a Clean Start project partner, we’re excited to work with CleanFUEL USA and Ferrellgas in their efforts in reaching this goal by expanding the use of propane engine fuel.”