Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) is a low-carbon, waste-derived fuel used to power vehicles, homes and businesses around the world.

How does it work? Every community in America produces waste. As that waste breaks down, it emits methane, which is a naturally occurring, but potent and harmful greenhouse gas (GHG). Read more about methane impacts here .

RNG projects capture this methane from existing food waste, animal manure, wastewater sludge and garbage, and redirect it away from the environment — repurposing it as a sustainable, reliable form of alternative energy. Made from matter that is already decomposing right under our feet, RNG is the product of pure innovation and ingenuity.

RNG is nearly chemically identical with fossil-derived natural gas — and therefore can be transported, stored or used through existing gas infrastructure. This helps explain why scores of farms, businesses and residents in North America and around the world are increasingly turning to RNG to replace their fossil fuel supply. In Europe, certain forward-thinking countries are already planning to replace 100% of their fossil gas supply with RNG within this decade.

Just like electrification, wind and solar, RNG is an essential piece of the puzzle when it comes to increasing North American energy security and sustainability. That said, RNG is unique in that its technological infrastructure is already in place.

To address expected increases in energy demand, we need a diverse portfolio of solutions and resources that can start working together today and affect measurable change quickly.

RNG also represents an important waste management tool, as it reduces the impacts of organic wastes that pollute our air. Solid waste is expected to grow nearly 70% by 2050 due to natural human activity. RNG provides a near-term solution for effectively managing this colossal waste issue while increasing supplies of clean, reliable fuel.

View the current North America RNG facility map.

While many renewable energy alternatives require costly upgrades to your home, RNG acts like conventional natural gas in all applications. Local utilities can send it directly to your home without the financial commitment of upgrading or adjusting existing appliances.

During power outages, RNG can also be tapped to provide reliable, sustainable energy. This dependability is also why it is already being used to power essential services for food storage, airports, universities, hospitals and other important facilities.

To farmers, RNG is simple — it’s an economically sustainable form of environmental stewardship. RNG is used by farmers around the world because it provides them with an effective waste management solution, while creating long-term financial and clean-energy assets.

While RNG can be created from a variety of different sources, farmers are in a unique position because the burdensome waste they regularly manage — whether it be food waste, crop residue, animal manure or wastewater— can now be recycled into RNG.

By embracing RNG, farms can create new revenue streams, not only from efficiently handling naturally occurring waste, but also from the sale of RNG to others. Renewable natural gas production, through anaerobic digestion or fermentation of materials, yields valuable byproducts for farmers, including more effective fertilizers and even recycled animal bedding, all of which can be used on the farm or sold for additional profit. While RNG is not exclusively useful to farmers, the benefits of renewable natural gas are uniquely geared to benefit their economic futures, our nation’s domestic food sources and farming communities.

RNG is helping farming families continue their legacy of putting food on our tables, while countering the considerable economic pressures facing the American agricultural community.

RNG is a proven economic driver and job creator in communities across the country — not just for farmers, but also for local businesses, governments and municipalities.

RNG has experienced unprecedented growth in recent years with hundreds of RNG facilities now operational, under construction or in development. In 2024 alone, this growing industry contributed nearly $8 billion to America’s economy.

Under a public-private partnership, an RNG facility can result in increased revenue for communities and lower operational costs associated with waste management away from local governments. Moreover, while other low-carbon forms of energy often involve major, costly structural changes, RNG offers governments, consumers and businesses the ability to utilize current natural gas infrastructure, while shifting to a clean energy alternative.

Read more about the economic benefits of RNG here.

RNG can be used to create renewable hydrogen (RH2) and electricity, providing similar opportunities for farmers and local communities to create clean, storable energy, while reducing waste, decarbonizing and making use of existing infrastructure.

When RH2 production and electricity production is paired with carbon capture and sequestration, the renewable natural gas (RNG) process is ultimately carbon-negative.

When RH2 production and electricity production is paired with carbon capture and sequestration, the renewable natural gas (RNG) process is ultimately carbon-negative.