RNG NEWS
Hydrogen Industry Weighs Next Steps on 45V
The Biden administration's focus on natural gas and nuclear power in final rules for the hydrogen tax credit could blunt industry opposition as the incoming Trump administration targets IRA credits.
Why it matters: The guidance may be just good enough for hydrogen developers to accept it rather than risk a Trump rewrite and further uncertainty and delays.
RNG Tax Credit Impacts Spill Into New Year; Plus News From Waga, Clean Energy Fuels
The biogas industry kept busy to close out the end of 2024. The U.S. Treasury released final credit guidance for Section 48 Investment Tax Credits, which provided a tax discount for projects that refined biogas into renewable natural gas and began construction last year.
If past is prologue, new tax credit language could continue to prove enticing for project developers in the coming year. Congress is slated to pass a major tax package for the first time since 2017, and experts say the RNG industry may advocate to extend or make certain credits like Section 48 permanent, locking in a more favorable business environment for new projects.
California Bioenergy Reaches Significant Development Milestone in the Golden State
California Bioenergy LLC (“CalBio”) announces the successful completion of its 78th dairy digester project in the state of California, marking a significant milestone in the company’s mission to promote sustainable energy solutions and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
By year’s end, with the addition of 8 dairy digester projects in South Dakota, CalBio will have a total of 86 operating digesters built in partnership with 94 dairy farm families. With the commissioning of its newest dairy biomethane cluster in Hilmar, CalBio now operates 7 clusters located across California’s San Joaquin Valley. Clusters are groups of digesters that share a centralized gas clean-up facility, where the captured dairy biogas is upgraded and then injected into a natural gas pipeline. In addition to clusters, CalBio is advancing the development of virtual pipeline projects and digester projects that produce clean electricity for dairies separated geographically from other farms.
A Good Year For RNG
The Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas (RNG), in association with Guidehouse, released the findings of its 2024 Renewable Natural Gas Economic Impact Analysis at its annual RNG conference in December. As of 2024, more than 400 RNG facilities were operational at landfills and anaerobic digestion plants, with an additional 130 under construction and 233 planned. “Together, these planned projects represent a 60% potential increase in production capacity,” notes the analysis. “From facility construction to ongoing operations, RNG projects contributed nearly $14 billion in total economic activity, benefiting supply chains and local economies alike. Further, RNG facilities and operations generated $7.2 billion in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and directly and indirectly sustained over 55,000 jobs in 2024, creating meaningful employment opportunities in diverse communities nationwide.”
Waga Energy: Biomethane Production in California
G2 Energy announces that Waga Energy will finance, build and operate two WAGABOX biomethane production units at Recology sites in California, USA.
The first, in Wheatland, will produce 123 GWh per year, and the second, in Vacaville, 185 GWh per year, with commissioning scheduled for 2026.
RNG Contributed $7.2 Billion to US GDP in 2024: Report
In California, the Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas announced the findings of its 2024 Renewable Natural Gas Economic Impact Analysis, underscoring the renewable natural gas (RNG) industry’s remarkable contributions to the U.S. economy.
The 2024 Economic Impact Analysis, prepared by Guidehouse, highlights the broad benefits of RNG across the energy, environmental, and economic sectors. Released in conjunction with RNG Coalition’s annual RNG CONFERENCE event in Dana Point, California, the report reinforces RNG’s potential to scale up as a clean, flexible energy source that supports the nation’s alternative energy ambitions while generating tangible value for households, businesses, and municipalities.
Hydron Energy Signs Biogas Upgrading Agreement With FortisBC
Hydron Energy has signed a collaboration agreement with FortisBC to evaluate the feasibility of using Hydron Energy's biogas upgrading equipment at locations in British Columbia, Canada — potentially improving costs related to renewable natural gas (RNG) purification.
"The INTRUPTor™ solution recovers 99.8% of biomethane at targeted RNG purity. Our current mobile unit operating in Ontario provides significant capital and operational cost savings with 85% less carbon footprint. We are very pleased to be working with the FortisBC team to investigate delivering INTRUPTor commercial plants in B.C.," said Hydron president and CEO Soheil Khiavi.
Landfill Group: The Values, Vision and Mission that Guide Us
Watch this panel of Landfill Group leaders discussing the company’s approach to responsible waste management and renewable energy generation. The video has a particular focus on how the group hires, communicates and executes in accordance with its company values.
Aemetis AD System Goes Online
Cupertino, California-based Aemetis Inc. has announced that its Aemetis Biogas subsidiary has started producing renewable natural gas (RNG) from its 10th anaerobic digestion (AD) plant built to process waste and byproducts from a dairy in Stanislaus County, California.
Additionally, the newly constructed digesters for five additional dairies are in final stages of commissioning and construction, says Aemetis.
Clean Energy to Design and Build New Hydrogen Station for Riverside Transit Agency
Clean Energy (NASDAQ: CLNE), the country’s largest provider of the cleanest fuel for the transportation market, has been awarded the contract to design and construct a new state-of-the-art hydrogen fueling station for Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) in California. The contract was won following a competitive solicitation and also includes the supply of hydrogen and maintenance services for the private access, purpose-built station located in Riverside.