Gas Utilities See Renewable Natural Gas Investment Opportunities Expanding
US gas utility operators continued to chase renewable natural gas opportunities through August, both in their core regulated businesses and through nonregulated subsidiaries.
Developing interconnections to transport the fuel, known as RNG, from supply points to broader pipeline networks remained a popular way for gas utilities to enter the value chain. During second-quarter earnings conference calls, some companies detailed how state regulators were facilitating these projects.
The growing number of RNG production facilities also created opportunities for utility operators to put this experience to use for third parties. As of July 31, 300 RNG facilities across North America were processing organic waste into pipeline-quality gas at farms, landfills and other facilities, according to the RNG Coalition. This was up from 30 facilities in 2011.