Everything You Need to Know About Renewable Natural Gas

Renewable natural gas (RNG) is a clean, renewable energy origin that can revolutionize how we power our lives. This article delves into more details of renewable natural gas.

Fremont, CA: A special and significant role for renewable natural gas could be played in-state decarbonization initiatives. Benefits differ, though, and each situation should be assessed individually to allocate resources effectively, sustainably, and in a way that works in tandem with other efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Biggest Sources of Renewable Natural Gas

Biomethane, or improved biogas or renewable natural gas, is frequently obtained from landfills, animal dung, food scraps, and wastewater sludge. Anaerobic digestion is how bacteria in these "wet" wastes break down organic matter to generate methane, carbon dioxide, and other gases and particles. Once pollutants have been removed, the biogas can be treated or "upgraded" to produce almost pure methane.

More than 90 percent of renewable natural gas is currently produced in landfills, which are also frequently more cost-effective than other waste streams. Methane collection systems are already present in many landfills, and concentrated methane production is common.

Although less concentrated resources, such as food waste and animal dung, are becoming increasingly popular renewable natural gas sources, they still face more economic obstacles. They might need more incentives or legislative support.

What Effects Does The Use Of Renewable Natural Gas Have On The Climate?

Currently, renewable natural gas is most frequently utilized as a fuel for transportation, especially in heavy-duty vehicles when diesel is not an option. Mandates recognizing the environmental benefits of renewable natural gas generation have played a major role in driving this trend.

Renewable natural gas, however, is interchangeable with natural gas and can be applied to various situations. Interest in it has grown recently, especially because of its potential as a heat source in existing buildings or for industrial applications.

Role of Renewable Natural Gas in Decarbonizing the Economy

Concern that renewable natural gas may "distract" from other crucial decarbonization measures, such as electrification and compilation of renewable energy sources into the electric grid, is a common reason for criticizing the technology as a climate strategy. Compared to these approaches, renewable natural gas produced from organic waste has little potential to cut emissions. It is unable to replace fossil fuels completely in any one economic sector.

However, renewable natural gas can contribute significantly to decarbonization if it reduces methane emissions net and replaces the use of fossil fuels in industries that would otherwise be difficult to eliminate. Instead of considering renewable natural gas as a replacement for other decarbonization tactics, it's critical to consider this alternative fuel's relative benefits and potential synergies.