Bert Warner of PERC Outlines Propane’s Advantages as a First-Choice Energy

POWERGEN International 2026, held in San Antonio, TX, at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, served as a showcase for alternative fuels in the power generation industry, such as ammonia and hydrogen. However, these often-discussed energy sources aren’t the only alternative options as Bert Warner, Director of Commercial Business Development at the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC), establishes propane as a first-choice energy with abundant supply and infrastructure.

TURBO: What are the prime opportunities for propane as a first-choice energy? Are there any applications across the emerging data center industry?

Warner: You used the right word: prime. We’re seeing a big shift, as propane is traditionally seen as a standby, backup, or emergency energy. We’re seeing propane move to the front of the conversation due to its speed-to-power. We can deploy so much quicker and don’t have to wait for infrastructure buildout. We also have the equipment and tank sizing available to meet some of these larger scale applications, including data centers.

TURBO: Overall, what are the advantages of using propane-derived energy over more common sources, like natural gas?

Warner: Natural gas is our big brother, we’re a byproduct of natural gas and, if it’s available, you’ll probably use it; however, there are limitations now such as the timely and costly extension of natural gas lines. The choices are becoming tighter. Propane is a much greener energy, a bit more economical, and requires less maintenance. When it comes to considering challenges and a lack of infrastructure for onsite power, propane is a great alternative for these reasons.