Renewable natural gas, also called RNG or biomethane, is an important building block in the renewable energy mix, alongside solar and wind technology. RNG enables the repurposing of organic waste, which contributes to a circular economy and provides a solution to becoming carbon neutral. For years, Europe has played a leading role in biogas production on an international scale but recently, large economies such as the US and China have ramped up RNG production to meet their carbon neutrality targets.
An ICF study by the American Gas Foundation1 projects significant growth for RNG, especially between now and 2030 for animal waste RNG. In addition, there are 43,000 sites identified in the US and Canada where organic waste is aggregated today, according to David Cox from the RNG Coalition, “So when we’re talking about around 300 RNG projects, we are just scratching the surface of potential.”2
Decomposing organic waste from landfills and manure lagoons generates methane, a greenhouse gas which is roughly 30 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Instead of releasing it into the air, the methane can be captured and cleaned to produce renewable fuel for transportation and heating.
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