Alternative fuel manufacturer CleanFuel USA and ConocoPhillips, the third-largest integrated energy and oil producer in the U.S., have partnered to make propane more available as a source of fuel.

The three-year agreement aims to yield infrastructure to increase the use of propane fuel by fleets in select markets throughout the country, says Curtis Donaldson, CleanFUEL chief executive officer.

“Propane, from a distribution standpoint, is very mature. It is used for heating and barbequing, among other things, but you can’t go on the corner and find it. I’m not suggesting we want it to be everywhere, but if it could be available in key cities, fleets could access the fuel while out on their routes,” Donaldson says.

The first step for CleanFUEL and ConocoPhillips is to study the country and determine the key areas for propane expansion and infrastructure based on market demands and demographics. Large fleet localities will also play a part, and Donaldson expects the venture will eventually reach large metropolitan areas like Chicago, Atlanta, Denver, Dallas and Phoenix, among others.

With propane-fueled vehicles just starting to gain attention from consumers, the focus will be on corporate fleets — especially because companies like Fed-Ex, UPS and Sears are already using propane, Donaldson says. Infrastructure will aim to provide fueling service, vehicle support and conversion opportunities.

“It will be a collaborative approach in going to market. We want prepare locations so they can say, ‘You can buy it here, get it serviced here, and if your vehicle is not propane-compatible, you can get it converted here’,” Donaldson says. “We are hoping after the first of the year to be in eight major cities. Eventually my goal is to have four to five stations per city.”