Renewable Natural Gas Market: Hidden Growth Drivers Through 2025

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Renewable Natural Gas Market: Hidden Growth Drivers Through 2025

The renewable natural gas market shows incredible promise. Market projections indicate its value will jump from $14.74 billion in 2024 to $28.27 billion by 2031. This remarkable growth is reshaping the scene of America’s energy sector faster than ever before. North America already hosts more than 300 active RNG facilities. The United States alone expects to have 500 operational facilities by the end of 2025.

RNG has barely scratched the surface of its potential. The North American natural gas distribution network uses just 0.3% RNG, which points to a massive chance for growth. Market forecasts paint an even brighter picture – the RNG sector could reach $40 billion by 2033. The economic impact looks promising too. The industry adds 22,600 jobs and pumps $2.68 billion into the gross domestic product. This piece dives into the hidden forces that propel this growth. We’ll look at price patterns and how RNG’s growing use in transportation pushes the market upward. The market’s expansion creates an $18 billion chance in new biogas upgrading equipment sales.

RNG Market Size and Growth Forecast Through 2025

The RNG market continues to gain momentum as we approach 2025. Recent market analysis reveals that the global RNG market will reach USD 15.20 billion in 2025. This represents a most important milestone in the market’s evolution.

Global RNG market valuation from 2023 to 2025

The RNG market’s value reached USD 13.32 billion in 2023. North America showed remarkable strength with 35% growth since 2023. The region added a record 139 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) in 2024. Projections suggest an additional 70 mmcfd will boost total North American capacity to 604 mmcfd in 2025. These numbers reflect growing trust in RNG as an alternative to conventional natural gas.

CAGR and regional growth hotspots

The RNG market should grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 44% between 2023 and 2028. Each region shows unique growth patterns:

North America stands as the market leader and should control 37.2% of global market share in 2025. Strong policy support, reliable pipeline infrastructure, and major capital investments drive this leadership. Texas now leads U.S. states with 73 mmcfd of RNG activity. Pennsylvania follows with 55 mmcfd and Ohio with 44 mmcfd.

Key sectors driving RNG demand

Transportation uses more than half of all RNG production. About 40% of natural gas vehicles now run on RNG as their main fuel source. Electricity generation creates another substantial demand stream that accounts for 45% of the market.

Gas grid supply makes up 20% of the market as utilities combine RNG into existing systems. California wants utilities to use RNG for 12% of their gas supply by 2030. Oregon’s renewable portfolio standard encourages utilities to include RNG up to 30% of their gas supply by 2045-2050.

Hidden Growth Drivers Accelerating RNG Adoption

The renewable natural gas market has hidden drivers that create unprecedented momentum in multiple sectors. Surface-level analysis fails to reveal several crucial factors pushing this market forward.

Integration with existing gas infrastructure

RNG’s compatibility with current natural gas infrastructure gives it a distinct edge. Companies can reduce their carbon footprint without major capital investment in operational changes, thanks to over 300,000 miles of pipelines in the U.S.. RNG works as a “drop-in fuel” that goes directly into existing pipelines after purification. This makes it a ready-to-use solution for utilities that want to improve sustainability. Businesses can use their current equipment without spending on capital improvements.

Heavy-duty transport sector demand

The transportation sector leads RNG growth, particularly in heavy-duty vehicles. RNG powered 97% of natural gas used by commercial vehicles in California during 2023. Cummins’ X15N engine technology has made RNG more common in heavy-duty transportation. Fleet owners switching from diesel find that RNG vehicles cut carbon better than electric trucks at just one-third of the cost. The economics make sense as fleets can cut fuel costs by up to 91%.

Methane capture from agricultural waste

Agricultural waste opens up vast possibilities for RNG production. U.S. municipal wastewater treatment facilities largely remain untapped – only 10% capture biogas and 2% upgrade it to RNG. Methane from agricultural sources can achieve negative carbon intensity, which brings exceptional environmental benefits. The U.S. could meet about 4.4% of its total fossil gas demand by utilizing biogas from all public and private landfills and wastewater treatment plants.

Corporate sustainability and net-zero targets

All but one of these Fortune 500 companies have committed to at least one major climate initiative. These sustainability commitments drive RNG adoption as businesses look for measurable ways to cut emissions. AstraZeneca signed an agreement with an RNG developer to produce renewable natural gas for its Delaware facilities. The University of California’s school system became the largest RNG buyer in the voluntary market and aims to get 40% of their gas from renewable sources by 2025.

Renewable Natural Gas Price Trends and Forecasts

The renewable natural gas market’s biggest challenge remains its price point, as production costs exceed traditional alternatives significantly.

Cost comparison with fossil natural gas

RNG production costs will reach $7 to $20 per MMBtu by 2040, while conventional natural gas costs about $3-4 per MMBtu in North America. Regional differences show European production costs average $16/MMBtu compared to $9/MMBtu in Southeast Asia. RNG’s breakeven prices range from $19 to $52 per MMBtu, which creates economic barriers to wider adoption.

Government subsidies’ effect on RNG pricing

Government incentives reshape RNG’s economic landscape dramatically. Studies show these subsidies can turn production costs negative: -$7/MMBtu for municipal solid waste, -$16.04/MMBtu for landfill waste, and -$26.32/MMBtu for animal manure. These financial tools help balance the price gap between RNG and conventional gas, which makes renewable options more attractive to consumers and commercial users.

Technology-driven cost reductions in biogas upgrading

The biogas upgrading technology market valued at $1.40 billion in 2022 will grow to $5.40 billion by 2032 (14.4% CAGR). Modern innovations like Mosaic Materials’ CO2 separation process reduce capital costs by 15% and operating costs by 38%. Upgrading makes up 50-70% of project capital expenses, but experts predict technological advances will cut costs by 30-40%.

Green Gas Inc. Solutions for Market Expansion

Green Gas Inc. leads the expansion of the renewable natural gas market with trailblazing solutions. Industry experts founded the company in 2020, and it quickly became a major player in the RNG sector.

Turnkey RNG facility development services

Green Gas Inc. provides complete development services “from feedstock to wheels and feedstock to pipelines”. The company’s Development Process follows Front-End Loading (FEL) methodology. This covers everything from the original conceptual study (FEL1) to execution phase (FEL4). The integrated system turns organic waste into valuable RNG. Clients get a single point of access throughout their project’s lifecycle. The services include project screening, technology assessment, cost projections, feedstock management, execution oversight, and performance evaluation.

Biogas upgrading technologies offered by Green Gas Inc.

The company excels at upgrading wastewater systems that produce pipeline-quality RNG. These technical solutions generate new revenue streams and cut emissions. Green Gas Inc. uses its expertise to boost biogas production systems through strategic collaborations that promote sustainable energy development. Each project gets a full technical assessment to maximize performance and efficiency during its operational life.

Support for regulatory compliance and credit generation

Green Gas Inc. follows specific protocols to meet state and federal compliance standards set by EPA and CARB. Yes, it is mandatory for all RNG projects to undergo independent review by third-party verification organizations like Verra, SustainCert, ISCC, and M-RETS. The company manages environmental attributes for clients. This ensures proper documentation for greenhouse gas accounting and prevents double-counting of environmental benefits.

Conclusion

Renewable natural gas is at a vital turning point that will reshape America’s energy future through 2025 and beyond. This piece explores how RNG market valuation will reach $15.20 billion by 2025. The market will grow at 44% CAGR between 2023-2028. North America leads the global market with an expected 37.2% share in 2025. This showcases our country’s authority in green energy innovation.

The transportation sector drives RNG needs significantly. In California, 97% of natural gas used by commercial vehicles comes from renewable sources. The heavy-duty transport sector shows promising economics. RNG-powered vehicles cut carbon better than electric options at just one-third the cost.

The price trends tell an interesting story. RNG production costs range from $7-$20 per MMBtu while conventional natural gas costs $3-4 per MMBtu. Government subsidies change these numbers dramatically. These incentives can push effective costs into negative territory—down to -$26.32/MMBtu for animal manure sources. This makes RNG more competitive in the market.

The untapped potential in this sector is remarkable. RNG market penetration is only 0.3% of North America’s natural gas distribution network. This creates an $18 billion chance in biogas upgrading equipment sales. The market growth projections of $40 billion by 2033 make perfect sense.

Green Gas Inc. provides complete solutions to leverage these opportunities. Their turnkey development services cover the entire project lifecycle. Their biogas upgrading technologies turn waste into valuable renewable energy. The company’s expertise in regulatory compliance and environmental credit generation helps boost project returns.

RNG market offers a perfect solution for America’s energy future. It delivers environmental benefits through methane capture and reduced emissions. The sector creates thousands of jobs and generates billions in economic activity. As companies push harder for sustainability goals, Green Gas Inc. stands ready to direct projects and realize the full potential of renewable natural gas.

FAQs

Q1. What is the projected growth of the renewable natural gas market by 2025? 

The renewable natural gas market is expected to reach a valuation of $15.20 billion by 2025, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 44% between 2023 and 2028.

Q2. Which sector is driving the highest demand for renewable natural gas? 

The transportation sector is currently the largest consumer of renewable natural gas, with over half of all RNG production being used in this sector. Approximately 40% of natural gas vehicles now use RNG as their primary fuel source.

Q3. How does the cost of renewable natural gas compare to conventional natural gas? 

RNG production costs range from $7 to $20 per MMBtu, while conventional natural gas typically costs around $3-4 per MMBtu in North America. However, government subsidies can significantly reduce RNG costs, making it more competitive.

Q4. What are the environmental benefits of using renewable natural gas? 

RNG offers substantial environmental benefits through methane capture and emissions reduction. When sourced from agricultural waste, RNG can achieve negative carbon intensity, providing exceptional environmental advantages compared to fossil fuels.

Q5. How is the biogas upgrading technology market expected to grow? 

The biogas upgrading technology market, valued at $1.40 billion in 2022, is projected to reach $5.40 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 14.4%. Technological innovations are expected to reduce capital costs by 15% and operating costs by 38% in this sector.

References

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[16] – https://www.extrapolate.com/energy-and-power/renewable-natural-gas-market/87365
[17] – https://northeast.newschannelnebraska.com/story/53020360/biogas-upgrading-technology-market-set-to-reach-54-billion-by-2032
[18] – https://www.energy.ca.gov/sites/default/files/2021-05/CEC-500-2020-054.pdf
[19] – https://www.europeanbiogas.eu/irena-publication-biogas-cost-reductions-boost-sustainable-transport/
[20] – https://greengasinc.com/
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[22] – https://greengasusa.com/rng-carbon-buyers/

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