Avista seeks request for proposals to reduce natural gas emissions 30 percent by 2030

As part of an effort to obtain renewable natural gas resources (RNG) long-term, Avista Utilities this week issued a request for proposals (RFP) that could reduce its natural gas emissions by 30 percent by 2030 and help its path to carbon neutrality.

A response to the 2019 passage of bills in Oregon and Washington that allowed and supported natural gas utilities’ pursuit of RNG for their customers, this effort seeks parties who currently own, are interested in developing, hold rights to, or are interested in marketing resources or portfolios of them for Avista’s RNG desires. RNG comes from organic waste, which would normally release methane into the environment through decomposition, meaning sites such as landfills, wastewater treatment plants, food waste, and dairy waste. Instead, methane produced by these is captured and purified to make a product, not unlike conventional natural gas.

“Avista is looking to obtain RNG that meets our aspirational goals to reduce natural gas emissions 30 percent by 2030 and to be carbon neutral in our natural gas operations by 2045,” said Jason Thackston, Avista’s chief strategy and clean energy officer. “Additionally, legislative changes have laid the groundwork for utilities, such as Avista, to enter the RNG market as developers, long-term buyers, and long-term partners to help grow and mature the RNG market in North America.”

Bidders are welcome to submit multiple proposals, but each proposal must include configuration, contracting, or pricing options. All proposals are due by Dec. 20, 2022, and deliveries of the affiliated RNG would not be expected to be provided earlier than Jan. 1, 2023.

Avista serves customers in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon, and anticipates proposals such as landfills, biomass, dairy, carbon capture, and hydrogen, among others, to fulfill its needs here.