RNG NEWS
Viridi Energy Acquires Maine Digester Facility For Industry-Leading Biosolids-To-RNG Project
Viridi has announced that it has acquired a legacy biosolids digester plant in Brunswick, Maine, with plans to transform the site into an industry-leading waste-to-RNG facility. The facility will generate valuable renewable energy and help power the local community, offer a sustainable and cost-effective solution for managing biosolids, and support compliance with local regulations aimed at mitigating per-and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) contamination in the region.
Stakeholders Testify In Support Of Michigan Bill To Create SAF Tax Credit
The Michigan Senate Committee on Energy and Environment on March 14 held a hearing to consider legislation introduced last year that aims to create a tax credit to support the purchase of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
The legislation, SB 447, was introduced by State Sen. Sam Singh on June 28, 2023, and referred to the Seante Committee on Energy and Environment. The committee on March 14 received testimony in support of the bill from a variety of stakeholders, including the Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas (RNG Coalition), the Michigan Agri Business Association, Clean Fuels Michigan, Delta Air Lines, Twelve Benefit Corp., Growth Energy, the American Biogas Council, and Gevo Inc.
U.S. Energy and SARTA Sign a Long-Term RNG Supply Agreement
U.S. Energy, a leading provider of refined products, alternative fuels, and environmental credits, signed a long-term renewable natural gas (RNG) supply agreement with the Canton, Ohio-based Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA), one of the nation’s leading low/no-emission public transit systems. Under the terms of the agreement, U.S. Energy will provide landfill-based RNG to SARTA’s fleet of 36 compressed natural gas (CNG) transit buses.
“SARTA’s commitment to sustainability and alternative fuels sets an example for public transit systems across the country. We’re proud to partner with them on their RNG initiatives and pleased to help the agency achieve its decarbonization goals,” shared Scott Hanstedt, vice president of business development at U.S. Energy. “Through our network of 40+ RNG projects and our polyfuel portfolio, we’re able to provide fleets with supply security and comprehensive support — for any fuel type.”
Vanguard Renewables Points to Decade of Growth
Vanguard Renewables, a Boston-based provider of organic waste and residuals diversion technology for the food and beverage industry, says it is celebrating a decade of “clean energy innovation and organic materials solutions.”
The company, which is a portfolio company of BlackRock Real Assets, has grown from two facilities under management in 2014 to 32 sites throughout the United States, “with new projects commencing construction consistently over the next four years,” according to Vanguard.
How a New Wave of Clean Fuels Bills Could Spur a Biogas Boom
Bills establishing credit programs for low carbon fuels, including those derived from landfills and other waste sources, are proliferating in state houses around the country.
A clean fuel, low carbon fuel, or clean transportation standard sets a timeline for fuel producers to gradually reduce the emissions, or carbon intensity, of their product, either by blending in existing low-carbon fuels like ethanol or buying credits from producers of fuels that emit even less carbon, like renewable natural gas derived from landfill gas or anaerobic digestion.
Biogas as a Key Element in Mexico's Energy Transition
There has been an extensive debate on the energy transition, including the concept of a just energy transition, which underlines that each country has a specific case linked to its level of development, not only in energy matters but also in meeting the basic needs of society.
In this context, it is important to reflect on the distribution of the national energy matrix and its use, in order to visualize how migration toward greener or cleaner energies can be achieved, facilitating the aforementioned just energy transition.
Canada Invests $11 Million in Clean Fuels Projects
In Canada, the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced in Thorold, Ontario, a federal investment of C$15 million (US$11 million) to support six clean fuels projects across Canada, including C$10 million for two projects in the Niagara region. The federal investments include:
C$4.6 million to StormFisher Hydrogen to support a front-end engineering (FEED) study for a renewable natural gas (RNG) production facility at BMI’s Multimodal Hub in Thorold, Ontario.
RNG Coalition Salutes New Mexico on Passing Clean Transportation Fuels Standard
The Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas (RNG Coalition) congratulates New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and the state she governs for signing the Clean Transportation Fuels Standard Bill, HB 41, into law.
“This is a big victory for the people of New Mexico,” says Dana Adams, RNG Coalition’s manager of Legislative Policy. “Clean fuels, like renewable natural gas, will bring good jobs to the state while reducing air pollution.”
How Federal Attention to Methane and Retailer Relationships Are Benefitting Divert
Divert has ambitious plans for growth. For several years, the company has grown its customer accounts with grocers and other food processors around the country, offering food waste diversion services and data that it can sell back to customers on where they’re seeing the most waste.
A favorable regulatory environment and growing customer base has allowed the company to expand. Last year, Divert broke ground on two anaerobic digestion facilities in Turlock, California, and Longview, Washington, both of which will produce renewable natural gas from tens of thousands of tons of preconsumer organic waste.
Aemetis Receives Authority To Construct Air Permits for Riverbank SAF Plant
Aemetis has announced receipt of the Authority to Construct (ATC) air permits for its planned sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel (RD) production plant in Riverbank, California. The plant is designed to produce 90 million gallons per year when allocating 50% to SAF and 50% to renewable diesel production, and 78 million gallons per year when allocating 100% of production to SAF for the aviation market.
The Authority to Construct permits were issued by the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District following an extensive technical review and two public comment periods. In September 2023, Aemetis received approval from the City of Riverbank for the Use Permit and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review after a separate technical review and public comment process. Together, these permits are the key permits needed for Aemetis to proceed with engineering and financing to construct the plant.