Scott MacKenzie interviews Bert Warner, Director of Commercial Business Development at the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC), at the Power Gen event in Dallas, Texas. Bert discusses the abundance of propane in the U.S., with 40 billion gallons extracted annually, of which only 10 billion are used domestically. He emphasizes propane's green energy credentials, resiliency, and cost-effectiveness compared to natural gas and electricity. Bert highlights the importance of responsible energy diversification and the need for greater public education on energy sources. He encourages listeners to visit propane.com for more information.

Action Items

• [ ] Provide more information about propane and its benefits to the public
• [ ] Connect with Bert Warner on LinkedIn to discuss propane further

Outline

Introduction and Welcome

• Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry innovations and trends.
• Scott highlights the importance of the PowerGen event in Dallas, Texas, and its significance for the power and fuel industries.
• Scott introduces Bert Warner, Director of Commercial Business Development for the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC).
• Bert provides a brief background on his role and the council's mission to promote propane use in commercial sectors, particularly in power generation.

Current Energy Crisis and Propane's Role

• Bert discusses the ongoing energy crisis, emphasizing the growing gap between energy demand and supply.
• Scott and Bert agree on the need for a diverse energy mix, including natural gas, hydrogen, and propane.
• Bert stresses the importance of keeping propane in the energy conversation due to its potential to address the current crisis.
• Scott and Bert discuss the societal tendency to react to crises rather than being proactive in energy solutions.

Propane's Abundance and Green Energy Aspects

• Bert shares statistics on propane extraction and usage in the US, highlighting its abundance.
• Bert explains that the US uses only a small fraction of the propane extracted, with a significant amount exported.
• Bert emphasizes propane's green energy credentials compared to the national average electric grid.
• Bert discusses the resiliency of propane, particularly in providing energy to remote or growing areas where traditional infrastructure is costly to extend.

Propane's Flexibility and Market Competitiveness

• Bert explains the flexibility of propane in terms of delivery and usage, making it an attractive option for various sectors.
• Bert compares propane to diesel, highlighting its environmental friendliness and lower maintenance requirements.
• Scott and Bert discuss the growing conversation around decarbonization and the role of propane in this context.
• Bert emphasizes the need for responsible energy diversification to meet high energy demands without compromising on environmental impact.

Retrofitting and Fuel Switching

• Scott inquires about the ease of retrofitting systems to use propane instead of diesel or natural gas.
• Bert explains that retrofitting involves bringing in new tanks and piping, but the process is not overly complex.
• Bert clarifies that it is not necessarily fuel switching but rather building a new system for grid independence.
• Bert highlights the competitive pricing of propane in many markets, making it a cost-effective option compared to electricity.

Economic Considerations and Grid Independence

• Bert shares his personal experience with high electric rates in Indiana and the cost-effectiveness of propane.
• Bert discusses the benefits of controlling one's energy rate and budget with propane compared to utility rates.
• Bert mentions a recent email from his utility about grid improvements and the associated cost increase.
• Scott and Bert agree on the importance of considering economic factors in energy decisions.

Future Prospects and Education

• Bert expresses excitement about greater education on energy sources and their origins.
• Bert highlights the lack of understanding among the public about where their energy comes from.
• Bert believes that increased education will lead to more responsible energy decisions.
• Scott and Bert discuss the role of PERC in promoting propane education and its importance in the energy conversation.

Conclusion and Contact Information

• Scott reiterates the importance of organizations like PERC in the power generation industry.
• Scott provides contact information for Bert and encourages listeners to visit the PERC website for more information.
• Scott thanks Bert for his insights and contributions to the podcast.
• Scott signs off, emphasizing the value of events like Power Gen for networking and learning within the industry.

Scott MacKenzie hosts an industrial podcast from PowerGen 24 in New Orleans, highlighting the importance of carbon capture in power generation. Clarke Ellis and Caitlin DeBoer from Gas Liquid Engineering discuss their work in carbon capture, emphasizing the need for reliable and affordable energy. They explain the process of capturing CO2 from flue gas using amine solutions, purifying it, and either sequestering it or selling it for commercial use, such as enhanced oil recovery or industrial applications. The conversation also touches on the challenges and potential of renewable energy, particularly sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel from canola oil. Gas Liquid Engineering's EPCM services span various energy sectors, including oil and gas, power generation, and renewables.

Action Items

• [ ] Contact Clarke or Caitlin through Gas Liquid Engineering's website or booth at Power Gen for more information.
• [ ] Visit Power Gen 2025 to learn more about developments in the power generation industry.
• [ ] Continue innovation efforts to improve carbon capture technologies and find commercial applications for captured carbon.

Outline

PowerGen 24 and Conference Introduction

• Scott MacKenzie welcomes listeners to the Industrial Talk Podcast, highlighting the event's focus on industry professionals and innovations.
• The podcast is broadcasting live from PowerGen 24 in New Orleans, Louisiana, with a reminder to mark Power Gen 25 on the calendar.
• Scott introduces Clarke Ellis and Caitlin DeBoer, who are attending the conference to discuss carbon capture in power generation projects.
• Caitlin and Clark share their positive experiences at the conference, noting the busy schedule and industry support.

Discussion on Reliable and Affordable Energy

• Scott MacKenzie asks Caitlin about the goal of having both reliable and affordable energy.
• Caitlin emphasizes the importance of consumers not having to sacrifice essentials like groceries or sports for affordable energy.
• Clarke adds that the goal is to provide energy that doesn't cost more than necessary.
• The conversation highlights the challenges and consumer perspectives on energy costs.

Carbon Capture Technologies and Applications

• Scott MacKenzie transitions to discussing carbon capture with Clark Ellis.
• Clarke explains the high-level process of capturing CO2 from flue gas, including the use of amine solutions and the need to purify and dehydrate the captured gas.
• Caitlin elaborates on the options for carbon utilization, including sequestering it or selling it for commercial use, such as enhanced oil recovery or industrial applications.
• The discussion covers the various applications and commercial partnerships for carbon utilization.

Challenges and Improvements in Carbon Capture

• Scott MacKenzie inquires about the current state of carbon capture technology and its impact.
• Clarke mentions a large project sequestering 2 million tons of CO2 per year, emphasizing the need for continuous improvement and economic viability.
• The conversation touches on the challenges of making carbon capture economically feasible for power producers.
• Clarke highlights the ongoing efforts of bright minds globally to solve these challenges.

Gas Liquid Engineering's Business Model and Expansion

• Scott MacKenzie asks Caitlin to explain Gas Liquid Engineering's business model.
• Caitlin describes the company's role in engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) for various projects.
• The company partners with other construction divisions and fabricators to provide comprehensive solutions for clients.
• Gas Liquid Engineering's projects span across Western Canada, North America, and the Midwest, with a focus on carbon capture, hydrogen, and renewable fuels.

Diversification into Renewable Energy and Other Industries

• Caitlin discusses the company's expansion into renewable energy and other industries, including hydrogen and natural gas projects.
• Scott MacKenzie asks for examples of renewable energy projects, and Clarke explains their focus on sustainable aviation fuel, ethanol to jet fuel, and renewable diesel.
• The conversation highlights the importance of consistent feedstock for renewable energy projects, such as canola oil for renewable diesel.
• Clarke shares insights into the challenges and opportunities in the renewable energy sector.

Business Development and Contact Information

• Caitlin outlines the company's traditional focus on midstream gas processing and its continued support for these projects.
• Scott MacKenzie asks how listeners can get in touch with Caitlin and Clarke.
• Both Caitlin and Clarke provide their contact information and encourage listeners to visit their booth at PowerGen.
• The podcast concludes with a reminder to connect with Caitlin and Clarke through Industrial Talk and to attend future events like PowerGen.