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News: Quebec’s 2030 Plan for a Green Economy addresses RNG and bioenergy
Here’s a quick view at the latest news in the biogas industry over the last few weeks:
GOVERNMENT POLICIES & LAW
The government of Quebec unveiled its 2030 Plan for a Green Economy
The 2030 PGE lays the groundwork for a green economic recovery and reiterates Quebec’s commitment to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 37.5 percent below 1990 levels by 2030. An initial implementation plan is being introduced for 2021-2026 which, in addition to reducing GHG emissions, aims to stimulate economic recovery and job creation. The plan in part, aims to require a 10 percent share of RNG in the natural gas network by 2030 and a 50 percent increase in bioenergy production by 2030.
The industry reacts to UK’s Green Revolution Plan
“Our green industrial revolution will be powered by the wind turbines of Scotland and the North East, propelled by the electric vehicles made in the Midlands and advanced by the latest technologies developed in Wales,”
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said. Highlights in the plan include moves to heat a whole town from hydrogen by the end of the decade, and banning the sale of petrol and diesel cars by 2030 – ten years earlier than previously planned.
Read more on Small-Energy
CITIES & MUNICIPALITIES
Carbon intensity of Natural Gaz Vehicle (NGV) is negative for first time in California
The most recent data from CARB’s LCFS program also confirms another significant milestone – RNG made up nearly 90% of all NGV fuel in the program and consumed in California in the first half of the year. Looking ahead, both the volume and carbon intensity benefits of RNG consumed by California will continue to grow. More than $1 billion of investment is currently taking place in California to develop a wide array of in-state RNG production projects. As California continues to source increasing amounts of transportation-grade RNG from projects with carbon negative sources – such as dairy biogas – the average carbon intensity of California-produced RNG will only continue to improve.
Sydney’s Malabar wastewater plant could be used to power up 24,000 homes with biomethane
Biomethane, also known as renewable natural gas, is produced when bacteria break down organic material such as human waste. The demonstration project is the first of its kind in Australia. But many may soon follow: New South Wales’ gas pipelines are reportedly close to more than 30,000 terajoules (TJs) of potential biogas, enough to supply 1.4 million homes. Critics say the project will do little to dent Australia’s greenhouse emissions. But if deployed at scale, gas captured from wastewater can help decarbonise our gas grid and bolster energy supplies. The trial represents the chance to demonstrate an internationally proven technology on Australian soil.
Read more on The Conversation
COMPANIES & ORGANIZATIONS
GNR Québec Capital Applauds Government Involvement in the Development of Renewable Natural Gas Projects
GNR Québec Capital L.P. (“GNR Québec Capital”), an investment fund dedicated to increasing the conversion of waste into renewable natural gas (RNG) in the province of Quebec , would like to congratulate the government on the unveiling of its new green economy plan, particularly for its commitment to the development of renewable natural gas production and distribution in Quebec.
Brightmark broke ground on The Sobek Renewable Natural Gas project in Florida
Upon completion of the project, the digesters are anticipated to generate about 171,000 MMBtu of renewable natural gas each year. The gas will be delivered into the TECO People Gas pipeline system. The project is part of the recently announced joint venture, Brightmark RNG Holdings LLC, a Brightmark platform in partnership with Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
Read more on Canadian Biomass Magazine
Biomethane is the best option to decarbonise long-haul transport, say GD4S, EBA, NGVA Europe
Gas Distributors for Sustainability (GD4S), the European Biogas Association (EBA), and NGVA Europe have co-signed a joint letter to the European Commission, calling on it to focus on renewable fuels, including biomethane, in the upcoming Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy. The organizations specifically called for all renewable fuels, and all relevant engine technologies to be considered, to enable a ‘fast, secure, and affordable’ transition supporting the European industries.
Read more on Bioenergy Insight
RESEARCHES & STUDIES
German Biogas Association’s new know-how brochure ”Biogas to Biomethane” is now available
This report outlines important technical and legal aspects of the production and use of biomethane. Biomethane is produced by the enrichment of the methane content of biogas, sewage gas and landfill gas. Around 460 biomethane plants are currently in operation in Europe and the growth rate continues to be strong.
It is basically divided into two main sections: the first section of the brochure presents the basics of biomethane production and application. It begins with a detailed description of the biogas process using various raw materials, and the possible energetic applications. Following this, the process of converting biogas to biomethane is examined. Firstly, the possible pre-treatment steps (e.g. drying, desulphurisation and the removal of other components) are explained. Secondly, the various techniques for methane enrichment (membrane separation, scrubbing technologies, pressure swing adsorption or cryogenic treatment) are discussed. In addition, there is a brief chapter covering safety issues relating to the operation of a biomethane plant.