Report outlines how renewable natural gas can be incorporated into gas systems
A new report outlines how renewable natural gas (RNG) can be incorporated into local natural gas systems to reduce carbon emissions.
The report, “Interconnect Guide for Renewable Natural Gas in New York State,” provides a guideline for RNG pipeline interconnections throughout the United States and Canada.
Renewable natural gas — derived from biomass or other renewable sources — has lower carbon emissions than geological natural gas and is fully interchangeable with natural gas. RNG is an overall low carbon product that facilitates meeting long-term decarbonization goals.
The report offers a framework for project developers and the local gas utilities to introduce RNG into the natural gas pipeline network.
“This report provides a pathway for the increased and successful utilization of RNG throughout New York, the Northeast and the U.S.,” Thomas Kiley, president and CEO of Northeast Gas Association, which developed the report with GTI, a leading energy research company, said. “I commend the leadership shown by New York’s natural gas utilities in undertaking this effort with GTI, along with the encouragement of the New York State Public Service Commission. Gas utilities in our region are already setting the pace for RNG utilization – from Vermont to New York and beyond.”
Several New York State gas utility companies also lent their support, including Central Hudson Gas & Electric; Consolidated Edison Company of New York; National Fuel Gas Distribution; National Grid; New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG); Orange & Rockland Utilities; and Rochester Gas & Electric (RGE).
“This document is intended to encourage maximum acceptance of RNG into the natural gas network by using a ‘good science and common sense’ approach,” Bob Wilson, NGA vice president, special projects, said. “Our thanks to experts throughout the field, including The Coalition For Renewable Natural Gas (RNG Coalition) and the American Biogas Council (ABC), for their continued support and willingness to work collaboratively with the pipeline operator community in finding solutions to technical and policy questions that enable our mutual goal of maximizing acceptance of RNG supplies into the pipeline grid.”
