Overview

Renewable natural gas (RNG) is a pipeline-quality gas that is fully interchangeable with conventional natural gas and thus can be used in natural gas vehicles. RNG is essentially biogas (the gaseous product of the decomposition of organic matter) that has been processed to purity standards. Like conventional natural gas, RNG can be used as a transportation fuel in the form of compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied natural gas (LNG). RNG qualifies as an advanced biofuel under the Renewable Fuel Standard.

Biomethane, which is another term for this purified pipeline-quality fuel, refers to biogas that has also been cleaned and conditioned to remove or reduce non-methane elements. This processed biogas is instead used as a replacement for traditional natural gas to generate combined electricity and heating for power plants—not in vehicle applications.

Biogas is produced from various biomass sources through a biochemical process, such as anaerobic digestion, or through thermochemical means, such as gasification. With minor cleanup, biogas can be used to generate electricity and heat. To fuel vehicles, biogas must be processed to a higher purity standard. This process is called conditioning or upgrading, and involves the removal of water, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and other trace elements. The resulting RNG, or biomethane, has a higher content of methane than raw biogas, which makes it comparable to conventional natural gas and thus a suitable energy source in applications that require pipeline-quality gas.

Watch the webinar on Renewable Natural Gas:

Join with the American Biogas Council, the Natural Gas Association of Georgia, Clean Cities Georgia and Public Service Commissioner Tim Echols on the economic and environmental benefits of renewable natural gas that can be locally produced here in Georgia.

About the RNG Steering Board

Organized in 2020, the Renewable Natural Gas Steering Board of the Natural Gas Association of Georgia was formed to advocate for the development of waste-to-energy solutions across Georgia.

Carl Garofalo, Chair

Southern Company Gas

MEMBER COMPANIES

Atlanta Gas Light

Consolidated Pipe & Supply Company

Gas South

Georgia Natural Gas

Marlin Gas Services, LLC

Bioenergy Devco

Southern Company Gas

Magnolia River Services

Liberty Utilities

Pond & Company

SCANA Energy

Municipal Gas Authority of Georgia