SoCalGas hosted a comprehensive one-day workshop on Renewable Natural Gas at its Energy Resource Center in Downey, CA, on October 25, 2023. Topics included:
- Advancing RNG through state and local agencies
- Food waste diversion and landfill case studies
- RNG procurement
- Reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
- Decarbonizing beyond transportation
Access the workshop presentations.*
(Click on the presenter's name to view their presentation)
Additional Information and Resources:
- Design Principles for a Renewable Gas Standard*: This ICF White Paper explores the possibility of a Renewable Gas Standard that would require gas providers to procure a certain amount of RNG, measured against benchmarks such as carbon reduction or volume.
- Biogas Upgrading Technologies Study: SoCalGas commissioned Black & Veatch to perform a characterization and evaluation of current biogas upgrading technologies that would allow the injection of upgraded biogas into SoCalGas natural gas pipelines, with a focus on technology availability, performance, cost, and future R&D recommendations. This paper from August, 2019, provides a high level overview of the analysis performed and key findings.
- CARB Short Lived Climate Pollutant (SLCP) Website*: This California Air Resources Board (CARB) website contains the latest information on California's effort to reduce SLCP emissions, including methane.
- CARB Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) Program*: California's LCFS program aims to reduce GHG emissions associated with fueling the state's transportation sector by creating a market-based credit trading program where high-GHG fuels can purchase credits produced by lower-GHG fuel providers to comply with the required reduction. The current program goal aims to reduce the GHG intensity by 10% by 2020, and future program goals are under development. Transportation fuels are assigned "well-to-wheels" GHG intensities*, which contemplate full supply chain and end-use GHG emissions. Renewable Gas pathways typically provide 60-400% GHG reduction compared to traditional diesel or gasoline.
- CARB/CalEPA Report: The Feasibility of Renewable Natural Gas as a Large-Scale, Low-Carbon Substitute Changer Technical White Paper*.: This study examines the feasibility of producing large quantities of renewable natural gas fuels for use in transportation in California.
- The Coalition for RNG maintains a database showing RNG production facilities* in North America, designated by: 1) operational, 2) under construction and 3) substantial development.
- The American Biogas Council maintains a operational biogas systems map* which identifies projects by location and feedstock.
- Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE)*: DSIRE provides a searchable, comprehensive source of information on incentives and policies that support renewable energy and energy efficiency in the United States.
- Game Changer Technical White Paper*: This White Paper explores the need - and leading approaches - to immediately start deploying zero-emission and near-zero-emission heavy-duty vehicle (HDV) technologies on a wide-scale basis in the United States.
- US Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BTO)*: The BTO conducts research on biofuels development, including the "Billion Ton Studies" which explore the potential organic feedstock available to produce biofuels.
- US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) AgSTAR Program*: Provides various resources to promote the use of biogas recovery systems to reduce methane emissions from livestock waste, including outreach materials and project development tools, funding resources, information on operating digesters, pre-feasibility analyses, and other resources. This infographic* highlights some key information about the program activities over the last 20 years.
- Optionality, Flexibility & Innovation*: This study by Energy Futures Initiative analyzes the options for meeting California's near and long-term carbon emission reduction goals, within the parameters of existing state policy.
- Natural Gas Utility Business Models for Facilitating Renewable Natural Gas Development and Use*: This document summarizes natural gas utility business models to promote RNG use while using existing core competencies.
- Renewable Natural Gas: Potential Supply and Benefits*: This document explores both existing and potential RNG supplies in the U.S. and discusses environmental and economic benefits of RNG.
- Renewable Natural Gas Project Economics*: This document provides an overview of RNG economics, project costs, incentive programs, and the potential for decreasing payback periods.
- The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Renewable Natural Gas website* contains the latest information on CPUC renewable gas proceedings, workshops, dairy pilot projects, and contact information.
The information contained herein is made available solely for informational purposes. Although SoCalGas has used reasonable efforts to assure the accuracy of the information at the time of its inclusion, no express or implied representation is made that it is free from error or suitable for any particular use or purpose. SoCalGas assumes no responsibility for any use thereof by you, and you should discuss decisions related to this subject with your own advisors and experts.