Renewable Natural Gas (RNG)
Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) and its role in the Thompson Okanagan Region
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is deepening its commitment to destination stewardship and sustainability through a new partnership with Natural Resources Canada and FortisBC. The goal of the initiative is to increase awareness of Renewable Natural Gas (RNG), what it is, and how easy it is to switch to using RNG to heat and power homes and tourism businesses. In light of recent climate crises in the region, RNG is an actionable way to help mitigate the effects.
RNG will transform BC’s energy future by reducing BC greenhouse gas emissions, a step that FortisBC has made possible by offering residential and commercial customers the option to buy into the affordable RNG program at their desired level.
What is Renewable Natural Gas (RNG)?
RNG is made from organic waste produced by existing waste management activities, such as food scraps in landfills, manure from farms, and wastewater treatment. As organic matter decomposes, it releases methane, a naturally occurring greenhouse gas, into the air.
FortisBC has been working with local farms, landfills, green energy companies, and municipalities to capture that methane and purify it to become RNG. This action plays an important role in supporting the Province of British Columbia’s CleanBC Roadmap to 2030.
The Glenmore Landfill in Kelowna and the Salmon Arm Landfill are two Renewable Natural Gas suppliers for the Thompson Okanagan.
Overall Environmental Benefits
RNG is an adaptable option to lower carbon footprints in businesses, transportation, and residential sectors. RNG assists in reducing Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that would be released when using conventional natural gas and does not add to the natural carbon cycle. RNG is also creating sustainable by-products such as organic compost, mulch, and hygienic bedding material for livestock - all reducing the need for chemical variations.
Customers have the option of replacing 5% to 100% of their natural gas consumption from conventional natural gas with RNG. The switch can be made online directly through an existing FortisBC account.
The Big Goal - “30by30”
The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Regulation of BC’s Clean Energy Act provides a clear target of reducing BC’s GHG emissions by a measure of 30% of 2005 levels by 2030 - known as “30by30.”
FortisBC has aligned their efforts to achieve this GHG reduction goal, using a switch to RNG as one of the strategies. Specifically, FortisBC aims to blend their total Natural Gas stores with 15% RNGs by 2030. By 2050, FortisBC intends to replace 75% of their Natural Gas stores with low carbon fuels *. In 2022, FortisBC tripled their Renewable Natural Gas supply.
How is Renewable Natural Gas Different from Conventional Natural Gas?
Renewable Natural Gas is biogas, made from decomposing organic waste.
Conventional natural gas is a fossil fuel derived from the earth crust, which adds greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere through extraction and use. Conventional greenhouse gas is responsible for the warming of the planet and related negative climate changes. The two types of natural gas are interchangeable in the system because they are chemically the same, with methane as their primary component.
RNG is low carbon energy when compared to the lifecycle carbon intensity of conventional natural gas. FortisBC’s current RNG portfolio lifecycle emissions are below BC’s low carbon threshold for lifecycle carbon intensity.
Biogas? Bio-what?!
Biogas is a renewable source of methane gas that is created when organic waste breaks down in the absence of oxygen. Methane is also the key component of traditional natural gas derived from earth. Biogas consists of two gases: methane (CH4) (55-65%) and carbon dioxide (CO2)(45-35%), along with trace amounts of hydrogen sulphide (H2S).
Biogas is captured from organic waste through a sealed tank known as an anaerobic digester. Next the biogas is cleaned and upgraded to pure methane by removing the CO2 and H2S. The resulting gas is now carbon neutral and interchangeable with conventional natural gas. RNG is easily injected into the existing Natural Gas grid to be used for heating, cooking, and other power needs. RNG can even be compressed to be used as vehicular fuel as Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
How is RNG Delivered to my Business or Home?
Natural gas systems across North America are all interconnected. When a portion of RNG is injected into the system, it blends seamlessly with natural gas. Businesses and individuals who switch to using RNG collectively contribute to a significant reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
What’s the Cost Difference?
The cost of Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) depends on the blend you choose. Customers can choose to switch to 5%, 10%, 25%, 50%, or 100% of their natural gas to RNG.
