All Rights Reserved. CEEM publishes two reports each year and has an extensive library of clean energy stories, worker profiles and case studies to browse. Clean Energy Economy Minnesota Since the underlying source is organic matter from plants and animals that continue to grow, it is a renewable and sustainable resource. RNG is still an emerging technology. As organic waste breaks down, it emits naturally occurring biogas predominantly methane that can be conditioned to RNG as a drop-in direct substitute for traditional natural gas. Renewable natural gas faces many barriers including cost; feedstock availability; and regulatory, operational and market risks. According to Vox, some hope it's a valid option to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. The Environmental Impact of Gas Stoves May Be Much Higher Than We Thought, Study Shows, Here's What Natural Gas Actually Does to the Environment. - At maximum scale, RNG and synthetic gas produced from ecologically sound sources would only replace roughly three to seven percent of today's gas use. Upgrading Landfill Gas for Pipeline Gas and Vehicle Fuel, 2019 RNG Resources and Insights from EPA Partnership Programs Which renewable energy will be used the most in the future? Indeed, renewable natural gas derived from organic wastes has relatively modest potential to reduce emissions compared to these strategies, and on its own cannot displace enough fossil fuels to fully decarbonize any one sector of the economy. Idaho's Ada County is one of many regions in the U.S. that are turning to renewable natural gas (RNG), according to KTVB. Carbon neutral RNG helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 10 G Street NE Search all of the site's content. Minnesotas first RNG facility became operational just this year. Bacteria break down organic matter in these "wet" wastes and produce methane, carbon dioxide, and other gases and solids through a process referred to as anaerobic digestion. View the newest RNG resources, An Introduction to Renewable Natural Gas and Renewable Natural Gas: Facility Operation Best Practicesin theResources section below. that has been upgraded for use in place of fossil natural gas. Please click here to see any active alerts. As that waste breaks down, it emits methane, which is a naturally occurring, but potent and harmful greenhouse gas (GHG). By using this site, you agree to our, https://www.glauber.com/markets/renewable-natural-gas/, https://www.socalgas.com/smart-energy/renewable-gas/what-is-renewable-natural-gas, https://e360.yale.edu/features/could-renewable-natural-gas-be-the-next-big-thing-in-green-energy, https://www.utilitydive.com/news/renewable-natural-gas-the-climate-change-solution-with-limited-awareness-o/561786/, http://www.environbusiness.com/eeae/biogas, http://www.methania.com/biogas-applications/, Top Isopropyl Alcohol Manufacturers and Suppliers in the US and Canada, Top Paint Manufacturers and Suppliers in the USA, Top Coatings Manufacturers and Suppliers in the US and Canada, The Best Paint for Metal, According to 14,000+ Customer Reviews, The Best Paint for Plastic, According to 38,000+ Customer Reviews, The Best Spray Paint for Metal, According to 17,400+ Customer Reviews, You Will Never Guess What Google Was Once Called, New Motorcycle Lighting Design Could Save Lives, 15 KPIs for Your Aftermarket Service Team, Clorox Opens State-of-the-art Cat Litter Plant in West Virginia, Missouri Aerospace Manufacturer Acquires Connecticut Counterpart, Extraction and collection of Biogas from organic matter sources, Processing of the extracted Biogas into Renewable Natural Gas, Plant materials from food processing such as pea hulls, potato peels, Silage from cut crops such as wheat, barley, alfalfa, corn, or turnips. Most natural gas is drawn from wells or extracted along with crude oil in using a variety of processes, including more recently, hydraulic fracturing or fracking. Viewing these factors together can therefore guide resource development that is efficient, appropriate for local economic and political priorities, and environmentally beneficial. Animal wastes such as cow, pig, or poultry dung. RNG is listed as an advanced biofuel under the Renewable Fuel Standard, so many are hoping to turn to it as not only a renewable energy source, but as a way to clean up landfills. Unitil has long recognized the value that renewable energy brings to our customers. It releases carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, hydrogen sulfide, and particulate matter into the local atmosphere . Capturing this biogas at the source before it is emitted into the atmosphere reduces the amount . Definition of Renewable Natural Gas. Renewable Natural Gas comes from sources of organic matter that can generate Biogas without the long timeframes or the need for high heat and pressure associated with the formation of natural gas from fossil fuel sources. Biogas contains 45%-65% methane and can be processed into renewable natural gas for use in place of conventional natural gas. Natural gas is alternative energy. Today, RNG is used most often as a fuel in transportation, especially as a substitute for diesel in heavy-duty vehicles. Find and evaluate OEMs, Custom Manufacturers, Service Companies and Distributors. Does RNG production solve waste management problems, or yield co-benefits alongside emissions benefits? The biogas used to produce RNG comes from a variety of sources, including municipal solid waste landfills, digesters at water resource recovery facilities (wastewater treatment plants), livestock farms, food production . But what are the pros and cons of this supposedly clean energy resource? The tank allows bacteria to breakdown the organic matter, which then begins to release Biogas that accumulates at the top of the tank. Stay up to date on industry news and trends, product announcements and the latest innovations. RNG sounds great in theory, but it's just another way for gas companies to keep thriving amidst an environmental revolution it's definitely best to stick to our guns, and advocate for clean energy. . These feedstocks have significant energy potential on par with or exceeding wet wastes, but at present are not significant sources of renewable natural gas due to technological hurdles still being overcome. But the reason why gas companies are promoting RNG is because many plan to mix it with regular natural gas in pipelines, for a "sustainable mix" even though it's really to keep gas as a viable energy source. Electrical power generation Generators that produce electrical power can be run from Renewable Natural Gas as well, providing the means of supplementing other renewables, such as solar and wind power, when weather conditions make the availability of these energy sources decrease. Renewable natural gas faces many barriers to production including up-front project costs; feedstock availability; and regulatory, operational and market risks. GreenBiz: 7 things to know about renewable natural gas. Even though there are many reliable options, such as solar and wind energy, some advocates are looking towards a lesser known source, called renewable natural gas. In addition to landfills, RNG is generated at wastewater treatment plants, livestock farms, food production facilities, and commercial . Renewable Natural Gas (biomethane) is a fossil-free, ultra-clean & ultra-low carbon natural gas alternative that is derived from biogas. (LMOP Presentation), How to Prepare for Conversations with RNG Developers (Hosted by Newtrient). The release of this carbon is typically offset by other benefits as described above. For example, waste management regulations such as food waste bans in Massachusetts and Connecticut may improve feedstock availability for digester projects, while clean fuel standards such as those in Oregon and California may create greater value for the environmental attributes of renewable natural gas production. The applications for Renewable Natural Gas include: Vehicle Fuel Just as natural gas from fossil fuel sources can be compressed or liquified, RNG can be similarly used as an alternative fuel for vehicles that are designed to run on compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquified natural gas (LNG). Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Please try again. In addition, there are concerns that alternative uses for certain organic wastes may be more beneficial. WRI relies on the generosity of donors like you to turn research into action. Use of RNG increases and diversifies domestic energy production. The United States generates millions of tons of food scraps, sewage, oils and greases, livestock manure and other waste each year, but these waste streams are finite, as is the amount of renewable natural gas that may be produced from them as the country is already using many of these waste streams. The release of this carbon is typically offset by other benefits throughout the production chain. Like coal and oil, natural gas comes from a depleting source that cannot be replenished over time and is thus referred to as a nonrenewable resource. Renewable natural gas, or biogas, per the U.S. Department of Energy, refers to fuel that is acquired through burning organic matter, such as plants, manure, and food waste, and processed to meet purity standards. You can support our work by making a gift today or exploring other ways to give. There are also operational risks like inconsistency in the specific composition of waste in feedstocks (from landfills, for example) which can impact the production equipment. Furthermore, competing uses can affect feedstock availability, such as the demand for crop residues for soil retention and enhancing soil nutrients. Renewable natural gas (RNG), or biomethane, is a specific form of biogas (gas derived from natural sources). RNG (renewable natural gas) is a key emerging fuel derived from waste. However, the impact of various policy options and how they link to current market barriers along the waste-to-energy supply chain are not often well understood. Once the process slows as the organic matter has largely been consumed, the digester tank is opened, the older feedstock is removed and replaced, and the process cycle begins again. But renewable natural gas is a much less familiar term. Will Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) Work on Your Farm? There is a limitation to the process for generating Renewable Natural Gas which concerns temperature. The paper provides detailed guidance on assessing renewable natural gas potential and climate impacts, evaluating its role in decarbonization, and identifying effective policy frameworks for project development. Some criticism of renewable natural gas as a climate strategy stems from concern that it may "distract" from other vital decarbonization strategies such as electrification and adding renewable generation to the electric grid. Nonetheless, renewable natural gas can make meaningful decarbonization contributions to the extent that it results in a net reduction in methane emissions, and it displaces fossil fuel use in otherwise hard-to-abate sectors. However, when applied effectively, the approach can help decision-makers identify projects that yield the most significant climate benefits. Learn more about the RFS. Renewable natural gas, or biogas, per the U.S. Department of Energy, refers to fuel that is acquired through burning organic matter, such as plants, manure, and food waste, and processed to meet purity standards. that methane emissions would otherwise occur at a farm or landfill). Natural gas is a clean-burning energy source that is better for your home, business, and the environment. For further details please visit our, Renewable Natural Gas as a Climate Strategy: Guidance for State Policymakers, Financing Low Carbon, Resilient and Inclusive Cities Through Multi-Level Governance, Avoiding greenhouse gas emissions that would otherwise occur under typical waste management practices (for example, methane emissions from animal manure in uncovered lagoons); and. Copyright 2022 Thomas Publishing Company. The biogas used to produce RNG comes from a variety of sources, including municipal solid waste landfills, digesters at water resource recovery facilities (wastewater treatment plants), livestock farms, food production . Industries requiring high-density, combustion-based fuel, such as heavy-duty transportation and industrial heating, may be particularly good candidates for renewable natural gas. These sources include: The organic matter used to generate Biogas is are referred to as feedstock, and can include: In a process known as anaerobic digestion, the organic matter is placed into a Biogas generator or digestor, which is a large sealed air-tight tank, along with some water. The major sources of RNG are landfills, animal manure, and solid waste . The short answer is no, the most commonly used natural gas is not a renewable resource because it comes from fossil fuels, which makes it a nonrenewable resource. Renewable natural gas (RNG) is a wastederived fuel. Less concentrated resources, such as animal manure and food waste, have become growing sources of renewable natural gas, but face more economic barriers and may require additional policy support or incentives. Tallying up all emissions sources and credits for a given project requires rigorous data collection, and the approach relies on assumptions that may be uncertain or change over time (e.g. The process for the production of Renewable Natural Gas involves two primary steps: Biogas can be collected from several abundant sources. As a substitute for natural gas, RNG has many end uses: RNG can be used locally at the site where the gas is created or it can be injected into natural gas transmission or distribution pipelines. Importantly, lifecycle accounting approaches are not without limitations. Leaded Gas Has Been Banned Around the World but What Does That Mean? As the world searches for ways to mitigate climate change, renewable natural gas (RNG) could become a critical resource. Biogas feedstocks for RNG are generated continuously from a variety of sources. Renewable natural gas presents largely the same environmental risks as common fossil fuel-based natural gas. Like conventional natural gas, RNG can be used as a . Besides the fact that only one is renewable, the main difference between natural gas and RNG lies in each gases' production methods, and consequently their environmental impacts. Researchers are working to find a cost-effective way to derive RNG from dry organic wastes from things like corn plants after harvest, grass clippings, tree trimmings and nut shells. Applying the filters below will filter all articles, data, insights and projects by the topic area you select. +1 (202) 729-7600, This website uses cookies to provide you with an improved user experience. Through anaerobic digestion, bacteria breaks down this organic matter and produce methane, carbon dioxide and other gases and solids.