The Biggest Sources for Renewable Natural Gas
Introduction Renewable natural gas (often shortened to RNG or referred to as “biogas”) is the gas emitted by compost and other biological waste decomposes. This gas can be captured, purified, and used as a source of energy. RNG is interchangeable with natural gas and can be used to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.
How Biogas is Produced Biogas production starts with anaerobic digestion, where natural waste is transported to an oxygenfree, temperature-controlled environment. Naturally occurring bacteria then breaks down the waste, creating biogas as a byproduct. Biogas is primarily methane and carbon dioxide, but it contains trace amounts of other gases as well. These other gases are removed through a purification process. Then the carbon dioxide is carefully removed, leaving only usable methane with trace amounts of nitrogen, making it nearly indistinguishable from natural gas.
Sources of Biogas The most significant sources of RNG are places like landfills or things like animal manure, food scraps, and wastewater sludge. Landfills currently make up over 90 percent of RNG production. They are also more economical than other forms of biogas production since they often already have methane collection mechanisms and contain a lot of gas in a concentrated area.
Other Sources The other forms of “wet” waste have become increasingly popular, however. Though they are less concentrated than landfills, there is no shortage of these sources, but they still face economic barriers. They may also need policy support and incentives to truly replace our dependence on fossil fuels.
RNG Facilities Operational renewable gas facilities exist primarily in the eastern half of the United States, though some are in the western half. America has no shortage of forests, farmland, and landfills, meaning even more RNG facilities can be opened in the future.
Future Sources There are also other sources of “dry” waste that can produce biogas. Agricultural and forestry waste, such as corn husks and stalks, grass and tree clippings, or nutshells, can provide a source of RNG on par or even more significant than the current sources. However, current technological hurdles limit their potential.
Conclusion Renewable natural gas is a crucial component of reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. By harvesting the naturally occurring waste in our landfills, farms, and forests and purifying the methane produced, we effectively use something many would deem as useless trash into pure energy.
Blake Zimmerman Blake Zimmerman is a Power and Renewable Energy Professional located near Houston, TX. Seeing the future of distributed power and renewable energy, Blake has made an powerful impact through his knowledge and expertise in many different fields within the industry.