Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) – also known as Biomethane – is biogas that has been processed to remove impurities and non-methane elements such as carbon dioxide, sulfur, and heavy metals. Biogas is the natural result of decomposing organic matter such as manure, food waste, and agriculture waste, and can be collected from landfills, dairy farms, and wastewater treatment plants. Once biogas has been refined and upgraded to RNG, it is functionally interchangeable with fossil natural gas and can be dropped into existing pipeline and vehicle infrastructure.
RNG is a zero-carbon fuel source; when burned, it releases only the carbon dioxide that the organic matter feedstock absorbed from the atmosphere. Collecting biogas for RNG also has the added benefit of reducing atmospheric methane venting. Because RNG takes advantage of existing fossil fuel infrastructure, it can be a compelling renewable bridge fuel to replace fossil gas consumption.