Our speaker was Rob Stenger from Simple Energy. Rob, who has transformed Simple Energy from a fuel delivery service to a comprehensive energy business. Rob testifies at both VT and NH legislatures regarding energy distribution and sustainability.
Rob gave an information-loaded and engaging presentation which I cannot hope to recap in this newsletter. Here are a few takeaways from my perspective:
- The oil market in 2024 enjoyed a year of limited volatility with prices ranging from $91 to $69 a barrel; everything worked.
- Current changes: There are no shortages of fuel but shortages of people and infrastructure to get it to Simple Energy. Trucks spend time in line waiting to load. Oil up 45 cents in one week; propane wholesale up 15 cents.
- How could a “drill, baby, drill” policy affect us? There is plenty of domestic supply; no incentive yet to overproduce in USA.
- We are in the midst of an energy revolution, of major disruption in energy use. Key drivers are proliferation of solar power, improving battery capacity, energy intelligence (rapid improvement and adaptation), and the effects of China’s focus on clean energy investments.
Rob said, “I believe sustainability of our future is transition, and participating in the revolution.” He believes that the US has the infrastructure and natural resources to competitively transition to renewables.
Questions:
What does the future hold for Simple Energy?
- SE wants to add solar power to power their EV car expansion.
- Heat pump revolution. SE installed 4-500 in the past 5-6 years.
What is “renewable propane”?
- Propane that is made from biodiesel and renewable jet fuel recycling. Carbon intensity about 1/3 of regular propane. SE owns about 350,000 gals they blend with other propane.
- “Dimethyl ether” (DME) is a molecule that can be produced from a wide range of renewable feedstocks. It stores and burns like propane but produces 85% less carbon when burned.
What about fuel capture from landfills?
- It’s not yet scalable here, as it’s eclipsed by fossil fuel delivery system in US today. Feedstock for DME is landfills but is crazy expensive. Maybe 10 years we’ll see more?
Recent Comments