Natural gas utilities are continuing to invest in major RNG projects
Recognizing the potential of renewable natural gas projects to repurpose methane for a low-carbon future, natural gas utilities are steadily rolling out new initiatives.
Some, such as Enbridge Inc., are partnering with other industry leaders to jointly develop broad RNG projects. Working with Walker Industries and Comcor Environmental, Enbridge plans to transform landfill waste into carbon-neutral energy that will be injected into local natural gas distribution networks across Canada, reducing the overall carbon emission of the gas supply used to heat homes, fuel businesses and supply vehicle fleets.
“RNG presents a tremendous opportunity to provide affordable, reliable and low-carbon fuel for Canada’s increasing energy needs, leveraging our existing energy system and stimulating economic growth,” Cynthia Hansen, executive vice president and president, gas distribution and storage, Enbridge, said in a news release.
Meanwhile, ONE Gas and Vanguard Renewables are partners in an RNG initiative designed to develop and expand farm-based RNG projects across Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. Vanguard Renewables’ network of farm-based anaerobic digesters across the United States offers a circular solution to food waste recycling and decarbonization, while supporting the American farmer.
This will be Vanguard Renewables’ first mid-continent alliance with a local natural gas distribution company committed to innovating its clean energy fuel mix through RNG.
“RNG is a vital part of a sustainable energy future as it provides a reliable path to reduce emissions,” Jason Ketchum, vice president of commercial activities for ONE Gas, said in a statement.
Farther south, Southern Company took ownership of the Meadow Branch Landfill Methane Recovery Facility, the RNG facility located at the Meadow Branch Landfill in Athens, Tennessee, from sister company PowerSecure. It also formed Southern Company Gas Renewables, a new subsidiary dedicated to increasing Southern Company Gas’ ability to provide customers with sustainable fuels, to oversee the facility.
“We can take advantage of the operational and technical expertise our utilities will gain as we expand our RNG offerings to our utility customers in order to move toward net zero methane emissions from operations,” Bryan Batson, Southern Company Gas executive vice president of external affairs and chief public and external affairs officer, told American Gas.
Batson explained the RNG facility at Meadow Branch captures gas produced by the landfill and upgrades it to pipeline-quality gas that can be used by any natural gas appliance or other end user.
“The most exciting part about the Meadow Branch RNG facility is gaining the operational experience to further our ability to develop RNG facilities throughout our footprint,” Batson said. “RNG can power natural gas appliances or machinery cost-effectively without modification, which means customers don’t need to make any changes to use the fuel. Having access to choices like RNG increases customer satisfaction.”