What is Renewable Natural Gas and how does it work?

Renewable natural gas is the gaseous byproduct of the decomposition of organic matter from various resources that can be used for energy. These resources can include landfills, livestock operations, and wastewater treatment facilities. The gaseous byproduct is captured at the resource location and cleaned to remove impurities. This process prepares the gas for injection into the gas distribution network. Once complete, the gas is transported through the distribution network where it can be used to generate heat and electricity. The gas can also be further processed to fuel vehicles. The resulting gas for either case is interchangeable with conventional natural gas making it an ideal substitute. 

Why is Renewable Natural Gas important?

Renewable natural gas is uniquely positioned to provide a meaningful contribution to decarbonization today and in the future due to its dual benefits. Renewable natural gas not only can serve as a substitute for conventional fossil fuels but can also offset emissions from other sources, such as landfills and livestock operations. Methane that would normally be released into the atmosphere at these locations is instead captured leading to an even greater carbon reduction.