RNG NEWS
Stay up to date with the latest stories, insights, and announcements.U.S. Renewable-Gas Demand Seen Jumping in Push to Cut Emissions
U.S. demand for natural gas that can be produced from waste and other renewable sources could jump 45-fold over the next two decades as utilities seek to reduce their carbon emissions, according to BloombergNEF.
Consumption of renewable gas, which so far has been mostly used to replace diesel in truck and bus fleets, could reach as much as 3.15 trillion cubic feet per year by 2040 as it becomes a “key decarbonization tool” for gas utilities, BNEF analyst Jade Patterson said in a report. That would compare with about 70 billion cubic feet in 2021.
Is Trash a Form of Renewable Energy?
Our entire society runs on garbage, at least in a manner of speaking. Eons-old junk—coal and oil that began as ancient plants and dinosaur remains, among other dreck—has powered our electric grid since the beginning of the industrial age. Of the 3.8 trillion kilowatt hours of electricity the United States used in 2020, most came from fossil fuels. The problem is that this trash isn’t meant to keep lights on or charge up EVs; it’s supposed to stay deep beneath the surface, locking away the gases that now flood our atmosphere and cause disastrous warming.
The good news—and bad news—is that we’re making new batches of carbon-rich refuse all the time. In 2018, the average American generated an unsavory 4.9 pounds of waste every day. Could these fresh trash heaps help replace our dependence on dead dinos?
Southern Company Gas Identifies Pathways to Net Zero Maximizing GHG Reductions with Greatest Affordability
A new study analyzing Southern Company Gas details pathways for the company's four natural gas distribution companies to reach net-zero direct greenhouse gas emissions, including methane emissions, while using its existing safe and reliable infrastructure. The analysis demonstrates that Southern Company Gas expects to be able to fully support its parent Southern Company's goal to reach enterprise-wide, net-zero direct GHG emissions by 2050 in addition to providing benefits to its customers and communities.
Conducted by consulting firm ICF, the comprehensive study's data reveals that the Southern Company Gas operating companies, in addition to continuing to reduce their operational GHG emissions, also could offset direct methane emissions with renewable natural gas projects providing local supply and economic development opportunities in each state. For example, in partnership with agricultural interests, such as dairy farmers or food processors, on-site facilities can convert animal, food and agricultural waste into a useful fuel for our customers and avoid the release of methane emissions into the environment.
Hexagon Agility Receives New Order from REV LNG for Mobile Pipeline TITAN 53 Modules to Deliver Renewable Natural Gas
Hexagon Agility has received a new order for Mobile Pipeline TITAN 53 modules from REV LNG, a leading full-service mobile energy supply and project development company. The modules will be used to transport and deliver renewable natural gas (RNG).
This order represents an estimated value of USD 24.3 million (approx. NOK 211 million).
Pivotal LNG Providing Renewable LNG to World’s First Carbon-Neutral Platform Supply Vessel
Pivotal LNG recently completed the first delivery of Renewable Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) to Harvey Gulf International Marine’s Carbon-Neutral Platform Supply Vessel (PSV). The tri-fuel vessel operates exclusively on LNG and battery power, with diesel fuel as a backup, making it the first carbon-neutral PSV worldwide.
The RLNG delivered to the PSV utilizes negative-carbon-intensity biomethane sourced from swine waste supplied by Element Markets. The LNG was sourced at Pivotal LNG’s production facility located in Trussville, Alabama. Pivotal LNG has the same RLNG delivery capability from JAX LNG, its facility in Jacksonville, Florida, and its LNG facility in Towanda, Pennsylvania.
Atlanta Gas Light, Chesapeake Utilities Celebrate the Opening of CNG Fueling Station at Port of Savannah
Atlanta Gas Light and Chesapeake Utilities Corporation are celebrating the opening of the compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling station at the Port of Savannah. Leaders from Atlanta Gas Light, Chesapeake Utilities, Georgia Public Service Commission, Georgia Ports Authority, City of Savannah, and the City of Port Wentworth joined together to officially open the filling station at the Port Fuel Center in Port Wentworth, outside of Savannah.
The station is designed to serve local CNG fleets as well as renewable natural gas (RNG) fueled vehicles, including high-capacity dispensers for fueling Class 8 trucks. It will also be used as a staging area for Chesapeake's Marlin Gas subsidiary to fill CNG transport trailers used in providing virtual pipeline services. In 2020, Atlanta Gas Light announced it entered into an agreement with Chesapeake Utilities to construct and maintain the station for Chesapeake.
Dairy Farms Fight Pollution, Turn Manure into Cash
Managing manure is nothing new for dairy operators. After all, cows and their four-chambered stomachs are one of nature's best examples of efficient digestion.
But these days, those bovine digestive systems are generating a new source of income for nearly 200 dairies in California.
Williams to Partner With Context Labs on Technology to Certify and Optimize Clean Energy Delivery
Williams announced it will utilize Context Labs’ Decarbonization as a Service technology solution to support the gathering, marketing and transporting of responsibly sourced gas from well-head to end-user. This clean energy technology provides verified emissions profiles and captures the progress of greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation across the natural gas value chain, enhancing clean energy supply and delivery for Williams and its customers.
“Williams is extremely well positioned with our large-scale energy infrastructure network and connectivity to customers to drive the next generation of the energy marketplace,” said Chad Zamarin, senior vice president of Corporate Strategic Development for Williams. “Through this partnership, we will facilitate the delivery of responsibly sourced natural gas to help customers achieve their sustainability goals.”
Avista Works to Extend Voluntary RNG Offering to Idaho, Oregon
Avista requested the approval of Idaho and Oregon regulators for a voluntary renewable natural gas tariff in those states, modeled after one implemented in November in Washington.
The Washington program was mandated by a 2019 law passed as House Bill 1257, which required that RNG be "available to all customers to replace any portion of the natural gas that would otherwise be provided by the gas company."
The Promise and Opportunity of Renewable Natural Gas Vehicles in 2022
2021 was a big year for renewable natural gas (RNG). Also known as biogas, RNG is natural gas produced from methane emissions from landfills, farms, wastewater plants, and food waste. And there’s reason to believe 2022 will be an even bigger year.
Two developments are especially noteworthy. First, in April 2021, Natural Gas Vehicles for America (NGVAmerica) and the Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas (RNG Coalition) announced that data on US natural gas-fueled vehicles (NGVs) from 2020 revealed that RNG made up 53% of all on-road natural gas vehicle fuel. This was the first time RNG had achieved a majority use in NGVs.
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