Renewable Natural Gas Fuels A Circular Economy
Renewable natural gas (RNG) is biogas or biomethane that is captured above ground as organic waste that breaks down above the earth’s surface. An ultra-clean and ultra-low carbon alternative, renewable natural gas is harnessed from decaying food waste, waste water, agricultural waste and landfill gas. In 2017, 24 percent of all natural gas used in transportation was renewable natural gas. In 2018, that figure reached 32% and, in 2019, that figure is expected to approach 40%.1
The transportation sector is recognizing both the economic and environmental value of renewable natural gas. By converting to natural gas engines, heavy- and medium- duty fleets can realize all of the gains of fueling with renewable natural gas. Renewable natural gas offers all the benefits of geologic natural gas while even further increasing negative carbon intensity compared to baseline diesel with agricultural sources such as dairy offering a substantial -382% carbon intensity rating.
Renewable natural gas represents a boundless resource since it is generated from food waste, waste water, agricultural waste and landfill gas. All of these sources represent significant environmental challenges in waste handling. The capture and conversion of these waste products forms the very foundation of a circular economy where waste becomes a beneficial byproduct that is reclaimed and converted to support a sustainable, regenerative economy.
Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. Reclaim. Refuel. Renewable Natural Gas is NOW! #CleanFleetMonth
1 Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration’s Annual Energy Outlook 2017, 2018, 2019 and the Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas