BGE approved to utilize renewable natural gas on Maryland gas distribution system
In Maryland, BGE became the first utility approved by the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) to use renewable natural gas (RNG) on its gas distribution system, in time for completion of the state’s first RNG plant.
BGE maintained that use of RNG on its lines would allow for use of farm manure and food waste as a low or net negative carbon intensity source for natural gas, usable in a way that would benefit local sources. It could also potentially divert waste from landfills and benefit electricity production, heating and cooling, industrial applications and transportation alike.
“Our new RNG tariff and this first RNG project in Maryland jump-start a new industry in Maryland, contributing to economic growth, managing waste streams, and bringing a cleaner, renewable energy source to our community,” Rodney Oddoye, BGE’s senior vice president of governmental and external affairs, said. “We appreciate the partnership with the Governor’s Office, our regulators and Bioenergy Devco to create this path between RNG producers and our customers and also support customer demand for renewable energy products.”
Approval for a new RNG tariff was granted at the same time as use of RNG in general, and will allow for use of RNG produced by BioEnergy Devco. BioEnergy is expected to bring its flagship food waste-based RNG plant online in the first quarter of 2022, in Howard County. It should generate enough gas to power the equivalent of approximately 5,000 homes annually. Both ownership and operations are handled by Bioenergy Devco.
“We are proud to support BGE’s efforts to bring renewable natural gas to Maryland’s grid by leveraging our new anaerobic digester in Jessup to turn food waste into a carbon-neutral, green fuel alternative,” Shawn Kreloff, Bioenergy Devco CEO, said. “The Public Service Commission’s approval paves the path for future RNG projects in the state, and we look forward to producing the state’s first source of RNG in the coming months. It is an honor to participate in this big step for Maryland as a national sustainability leader.”
This also will mean greater sustainability specifically for Maryland’s largest natural gas and electric utility, which supports more than 1.3 million electric customers and more than 680,000 natural gas customers in the central parts of Maryland.
