Renewable natural gas has seen dramatic growth in North America. The numbers tell the story – from just 13 projects in 2005 to over 400 facilities now operational in 2024. This clean energy source packs quite an economic punch too. RNG projects in the United States can create 22,600 jobs and add $2.68 billion to our gross domestic product.

Many people ask what renewable natural gas really is and how it’s different from conventional natural gas. RNG is essentially a pipeline-quality gas that comes from organic waste sources. Once upgraded, it contains 90% or more methane, which makes it just as effective as conventional natural gas. The key difference lies in its environmental benefits. RNG production helps cut down methane emissions that trap heat in our atmosphere 25 times more effectively than CO2. This piece will tap into the full potential of renewable natural gas by explaining its production process, benefits for both environment and economy, and the key factors behind its rapid market growth nationwide.

What is Renewable Natural Gas?

Renewable natural gas (RNG) stands as a remarkable state-of-the-art development in environmentally responsible energy production. RNG is essentially biogas that has been upgraded to match the quality of conventional natural gas, with a methane concentration of 90% or greater. This clean pipeline-quality fuel works seamlessly with existing infrastructure and applications.

Definition and how it is different from conventional natural gas

The origin stories of RNG and conventional natural gas paint two very different pictures, though both contain mostly methane. Conventional natural gas exists as a finite fossil fuel that formed millions of years ago from buried organic matter. RNG, on the other hand, comes from biogas captured during the breakdown of recent organic waste.

Raw biogas from landfills usually contains 45-65% methane, which makes it unsuitable for pipeline distribution. The upgrading process removes impurities such as carbon dioxide, water vapor, hydrogen sulfide, and other trace elements. This treatment boosts the methane content to 96-98% for pipeline injection, creating a renewable fuel that works just like conventional natural gas.

Is natural gas renewable or nonrenewable?

Conventional natural gas clearly falls into the non-renewable category. This fossil fuel took millions of years to form and we cannot replenish it within human timescales. The U.S. Energy Information Association projects our natural gas reserves will last about 86 years.

RNG deserves its “renewable” label because it comes from organic waste that never stops being generated. The process employs methane that would otherwise escape into the atmosphere as a harmful greenhouse gas from various sources:

• Landfills (about 90% of RNG production)
• Animal manure and agricultural waste
• Wastewater treatment plants
• Food production facilities

Renewable natural gas vs natural gas: key differences

RNG and conventional natural gas have several important differences beyond their origins:

Composition: RNG has almost no hydrocarbons except methane, which leads to a lower heating value than conventional natural gas.

Environmental effect: RNG production helps prevent methane emissions while conventional gas extraction risks methane leaks and water contamination.

Carbon footprint: The carbon released when burning RNG equals what the organic matter absorbed during its lifecycle, making it carbon-neutral.

Infrastructure compatibility: Upgraded RNG can flow through existing natural gas pipeline networks, so no new infrastructure is needed.

How Renewable Natural Gas is Produced

The trip from organic waste to renewable natural gas uses several proven processes that adapt to specific waste streams. Clean energy solutions come from sources of all types across the country.

Biogas from landfills

Landfills are the most important RNG production sites because they’re the third largest source of human-related methane emissions in the United States. A network of collection pipes captures methane that would escape into the atmosphere by using vacuum pressure. Organic waste releases biogas with over 50% methane when it decomposes without oxygen. EPA regulations require modern landfills to capture these gasses, which turns a regulatory requirement into a valuable resource.

Livestock manure and agricultural waste

Agricultural operations offer another great chance to produce renewable natural gas. A single 1,000-pound dairy cow makes about 80 pounds of manure daily. Anaerobic digesters capture methane from this waste along with crop residues and animal bedding. The United States now has 191 manure-based anaerobic digestion systems that produce RNG. In spite of that, digesters process only 3% of livestock waste nationwide, which shows huge room for growth.

Wastewater treatment plants

Bacteria at wastewater treatment facilities eat organic solids removed during treatment and produce biogas with about 63% methane. The treatment process naturally creates this biogas that can be captured and upgraded. While 1,269 wastewater plants use anaerobic digesters, only about 860 use their biogas, which leaves a lot of untapped potential.

Food and industrial organic waste

Food waste produces more RNG per ton than other organic materials. Americans create roughly 133 billion pounds (66.5 million tons) of food waste each year, which shows enormous potential. On top of that, food processing byproducts and industrial organic waste add to this feedstock category.

Upgrading biogas to pipeline-quality RNG

Raw biogas must be upgraded to meet pipeline standards. The process removes moisture, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and other contaminants. Technologies like membrane separation, pressure swing adsorption, amine scrubbing, or water wash increase the methane content from 45-65% to 96-98%. The upgraded renewable natural gas can then flow into existing pipelines or power vehicles.

Environmental and Economic Benefits of RNG

Renewable natural gas delivers benefits way beyond the reach and influence of energy production. This versatile resource tackles multiple environmental challenges at once and creates valuable economic opportunities.

Reducing methane and greenhouse gas emissions

Methane capture from waste sources serves as a powerful climate solution. Methane shows a global warming potential 25 times greater than carbon dioxide over a 100-year period. Organic waste decomposition in landfills or manure lagoons releases this potent greenhouse gas directly into the atmosphere. RNG production can be carbon-negative, which means it removes more greenhouse gasses than it releases throughout its lifecycle.

RNG projects that achieved carbon reduction in 2023 provided environmental benefits equal to growing over 115 million tree seedlings for ten years or protecting more than 8 million acres of U.S. forests.

Improving local air quality

RNG makes a real difference in air quality while tackling climate change. RNG-powered vehicles that replace diesel alternatives reduce nitrogen oxide and particulate matter emissions. A facility in Danville noted that “the local air quality is going to be improved” after they switched from flaring landfill gas to RNG production.

Creating green jobs and local economic growth

The RNG industry’s economic effect continues to grow nationwide:

• RNG projects added nearly $14 billion to total economic activity in 2024
• The industry contributed $7.2 billion to GDP
• RNG facilities supported over 55,000 jobs nationwide

About 75% of these jobs are available without a college degree, with average annual wages of $66,890. Building 100 new RNG facilities creates roughly 25,100 construction jobs and 4,200 operational positions.

Fuel diversity and energy security

RNG boosts America’s energy independence as a domestically produced energy source. The existing natural gas infrastructure allows RNG to serve as a reliable alternative that reduces reliance on imported fuels. RNG maintains high availability rates as a baseload energy source because waste production continues whatever the weather conditions, unlike other renewable options.

RNG production brings environmental improvements and substantial economic benefits to communities nationwide through these combined advantages.

The Growing Renewable Natural Gas Market

North America’s renewable natural gas market continues to expand at an unprecedented pace. The Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas reports 433 operational RNG facilities across the continent, showing a remarkable 44% jump in just one year. Another 436 facilities are now at different planning and construction stages.

Current number of RNG facilities in North America

The industry aims to reach some ambitious targets: 500 facilities by 2025, 1,000 by 2030, and 5,000 by 2040. Agricultural waste has hit an all-time high, making up 24% of all RNG production feedstocks – up from 17% last year. California’s infrastructure now connects more than 100 agricultural sites to operational RNG systems.

Key drivers of market growth

Multiple factors accelerate this expansion. State policies create market incentives for low-carbon fuels, like California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard and similar programs in Oregon and Washington. Technology advances and growing demand for sustainable energy solutions speed up development. Market projections show growth from $14.03 billion in 2024 to $24.23 billion by 2031, with an 8.1% compound annual growth rate.

Green Gas Inc services and project examples

Green Gas Inc offers detailed solutions throughout the RNG value chain. The company upgrades wastewater systems to produce pipeline-quality RNG, which creates new revenue while cutting emissions. Their partnership with Darling Ingredients shows how industrial wastewater becomes valuable renewable fuel. These projects cut greenhouse gasses, generate farmer income, and reduce fossil gas use.

Challenges and limitations of RNG adoption

RNG industry faces several obstacles. High production costs exceed conventional natural gas prices. Urban areas struggle with feedstock limitations. Regulatory processes for permits and interconnection remain complex. Output stays limited compared to overall natural gas demand. The industry needs ongoing innovation and supportive policies to keep growing.

Conclusion

Renewable natural gas is a powerful solution to America’s energy and environmental challenges. RNG changes waste into valuable energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by a lot. This remarkable resource captures methane that would otherwise escape into our atmosphere and creates a carbon-negative fuel option in many cases.

The economic benefits paint an impressive picture. RNG can generate over 55,000 jobs nationwide and add billions to our GDP, which shows both environmental progress and economic growth. Americans without college degrees can access these jobs that pay well above national averages.

The RNG market keeps growing fast, and experts predict facility numbers will reach 1,000 by 2030. Production costs and scaling present challenges, but technological advancement and supportive policies should help overcome these barriers. Green Gas Inc demonstrates this progress with their complete solutions that cover the entire RNG value chain. They help communities turn waste streams of all types into valuable renewable fuel.

RNG is a vital part of America’s energy future. This renewable alternative provides real sustainability and works with existing infrastructure, unlike conventional natural gas. When you think over energy options for your community or business, note that renewable natural gas brings both environmental benefits and makes economic sense. We can cut emissions, create jobs, and improve energy security at the same time. Clean energy solutions don’t need compromise – they are our best path forward.

FAQs

Q1. What are the main advantages of using Renewable Natural Gas? Renewable Natural Gas offers multiple benefits, including improved fuel security, potential cost savings, better local air quality, and significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. It also creates jobs and contributes to economic growth while utilizing existing natural gas infrastructure.

Q2. How is the Renewable Natural Gas market expected to grow? The Renewable Natural Gas market is projected to experience strong growth. Global market size is anticipated to increase from $14.03 billion in 2024 to $24.23 billion by 2031, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.1%. In the US, RNG’s share of natural gas demand is expected to rise from 0.5% to 1.6% by 2030.

Q3. What are the primary sources for producing Renewable Natural Gas? Renewable Natural Gas is primarily produced from organic waste sources such as landfills, livestock manure, agricultural waste, wastewater treatment plants, and food and industrial organic waste. These sources undergo processes like anaerobic digestion to capture biogas, which is then upgraded to pipeline-quality RNG.

Q4. How does Renewable Natural Gas differ from conventional natural gas? While both contain primarily methane, RNG is produced from recent organic waste, making it renewable, whereas conventional natural gas is a finite fossil fuel. RNG production actually prevents methane emissions, has a lower carbon footprint, and is considered carbon-neutral or even carbon-negative in some cases.

Q5. What challenges does the Renewable Natural Gas industry face? The RNG industry faces several challenges, including higher production costs compared to conventional natural gas, limitations in feedstock availability (especially in urban areas), complex regulatory processes for permitting and interconnection, and scaling difficulties due to limited output relative to overall natural gas demand. Overcoming these hurdles requires continued technological innovation and supportive policies.

References

1. https://www.rngcoalition.com/news/2024/12/19/a-good-year-for-rng
2. https://biomassmagazine.com/articles/north-american-rng-surpasses-400-operational-facilities
3. https://www.bioenergy-news.com/news/north-american-rng-surpasses-400-operational-facilities/
4. https://biomassmagazine.com/articles/reports-shows-72-billion-in-gdp-contributions-from-rng-in-2024
5. https://www.rngcoalition.com/news/2024/10/10/renewable-natural-gas-market-to-hit-2423-billion-by-2031-says-coherent-market-insights
6. https://www.epa.gov/lmop/renewable-natural-gas
7. https://www.epa.gov/agstar/renewable-natural-gas-agricultural-based-adbiogas-systems
8. https://www.biocycle.net/basics-biogas-upgrading/
9. https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/natural-gas-renewable
10. https://www.eesi.org/papers/view/fact-sheet-biogasconverting-waste-to-energy