This site is not supported by your current browser.
Please use one of these browsers.
News: RNG & Biogas to Play a Big Role in Decarbonization of the Economy
Here’s an overview of key biogas news.
GOVERNMENT POLICIES & LAW
Net-zero emissions by 2050 is the goal. So how do we get there?
Fossil fuels deliver more than 70 per cent of energy used in Canada, and changing requires ‘total rethinking’. The year 2050 might sound like a long way off — the kind of distant, futuristic, round-number of a year that policy-makers like to choose when setting climate targets. But if Canada is actually going to achieve its “moon shot” goal of net-zero carbon emissions by mid-century — meaning any greenhouse gases produced would need to be offset — there is no time to waste, said Sarah Burch, an associate professor and Canada Research Chair in sustainable governance and innovation at the University of Waterloo in Ontario.
Renewable gas should be an Australia Technology Investment Roadmap priority
An open letter to the Commonwealth government co-authored by Bioenergy Australia and the Australian Hydrogen Council (AHC), and signed by over fifty supporting organisations and businesses, is advocating for renewable gas to be prioritised as part of Australia’s Technology Investment Roadmap which is currently under development. The open letter outlines the common ground for renewable gas market development in Australia with a diverse cross-sector backing the call on the government to recognise the potential of biomethane and hydrogen to play a significant role in solving the energy market decarbonisation challenges while providing the lowest cost transition to a decarbonised energy system.
Read more on Bioenergy International
Any new comprehensive energy policy in Ohio needs to include natural gas
With the debacle of House Bill 6 and the emergence of the shale play in the northeastern part of our state, Ohio needs to re-examine its energy policy. Considering its many benefits, natural gas must be a major part of that policy. Natural gas is one of Ohio’s most vital industries, improving lives by providing a reliable and affordable means of powering homes and businesses. No industry is better suited to meet expanding energy needs and address environmental challenges. This is especially true in Ohio, which is among the nation’s leading natural gas producers and consumers.
Read more on Crain’s Cleveland Business
CITIES AND MUNICIPALITIES
Finnish city to welcome biogas-fuelled buses
Six new biogas-fuelled buses will be introduced in the city of Hämeenlinna, Finland at the end of August. The buses, which belong to Vekka Group and were developed in collaboration with Gasum, will reduce public transport emissions in the city by almost 500 tonnes, supporting its objective to increase the use of sustainable transport and alternative fuels. Supplied by Scania Finland, the buses will operate in the city’s public transport services 1, 3, and 11, the contract for which was awarded to the Vekka Group in competitive tendering in 2019.
Read more on Bioenergy Insight
COMPANIES & ORGANIZATIONS
Onboard Dynamics Launches GoFill CNG Refueling System
Onboard Dynamics has launched the new GoFill refueling system. GoFill is an instant dispensing unit for refueling compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles. The new product eliminates infrastructure barriers for fleet operators who immediately need an easy CNG station setup to refuel their commercial trucks. The first unit rolled out in Oregon as part of the NW Natural’s free truck loan program. The GoFill will be providing natural gas for refueling CNG into a Hyliion low-emission Class 8 truck for long and heavy hauls.
Serbian Biogas Association unveils guide for investors
The Serbian Biogas Association has published a guide for investors interested in building a biogas plant in Serbia, whose main purpose is to encourage new investment in the sector and support those who have already decided to invest in biogas. The guide, developed by the Serbian Biogas Association in cooperation with the rural development department of the Ministry of Agriculture, and with the support of the German Biogas Association, Fachverband Biogas, is based on the experiences of the Serbian Biogas Association members.
Read more on Balkan Green Energy News
RNG’s Growing Role in Decarbonization Strategies
Today, we know that the industrialization of our modern society has led to unintended consequences for our environment. Many of the means through which we power our buildings, drive our cars, and heat our spaces can have a negative impact on the planet, and on the health of those we care about. Fortunately, much of this is changing through a global push toward clean energy sources and technology. More than ever, America is using its resourcefulness and ingenuity to usher in a cleaner future. Renewable natural gas (RNG) has become an increasingly important part of this future as a proven way to reduce our carbon footprint.
Renewable Transport Fuel Association: Green fuel firms launch new trade body
RTFA aims to drive uptake of low-carbon fuels such as bioethanol, biomethane, biodiesel and biopropene. Twelve companies have joined together to form the Renewable Transport Fuel Association (RTFA), a new trade body launched this week for producers and suppliers of greener transport fuels.
RESEARCHES & STUDIES
Study finds Californian wastewater treatment plants could profit by processing food waste
A recent study released by the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) shows that at least half of California’s landfill-bound food waste could be processed at the state’s wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and serve as an innovative power source. Waste can be “co-digested” at these facilities, which involves adding organic wastes including municipal food scraps and industrial food processing wastes such as chicken blood to a facility’s anaerobic digester. Building on a survey of the nearly 225 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in California, the report “Co-Digestion capacity in Califonia” finds that many have the existing anaerobic digestion (AD) capacity to accommodate diverted food waste.
Read more on Bioenergy International
Iowa researchers see wasted potential in agricultural biofuels
The team hopes to make anaerobic digestion more efficient and profitable for farmers who convert manure to natural gas. A research team led by Iowa State University is studying ways to increase farmers’ interest in — and profits from — biofuels made from manure and other low-value biomass. Anaerobic digestion, as it’s known, processes agricultural waste into renewable natural gas using an oxygen-free form of combustion. The gas then can be used on site or refined and distributed through existing natural gas pipelines.