Biogas Conversion to Biomethane (RNG) Alternatively Described as “Renewable Natural Gas” vs. Traditional Natural Gas
The environmental crisis is the most pressing issue of our generation and, if drastic steps are not taken immediately it will negatively impact many future generations to come. Human activity has ravaged the landscape and altered countless habitats.
It is estimated that world forests have reduced by 80%, while coral reefs have decreased by 27%. Each year, 55 billion tons of resources are extracted from the Earth’s surface to fuel the growing human population. The most worrying aspect of such widespread environmental degradation is that it has now reached a point where its impact is becoming pressing and of serious concern.
We have pushed the planet to its limits and now stand on the brink of an impending disaster. Habitats are being destroyed, plants and animals are dying out, and humans are also not safe from the adverse impact. It is already too late, but every small step matters.
One such initiative is using renewable natural gas (RNG) as an alternative to natural gas. Let us compare and contrast the two and see how RNG can help with environmental preservation and conservation.
What is Traditional Natural Gas?
Natural gas is a fossil fuel, much like coal and oil. However, it is gaseous in its natural state. It is a hydrocarbon which is mainly composed of methane and ethane. Natural gas is colourless, odourless, and burns cleaner than coal or oil. Usually, natural gas is present alongside crude oil.
The world has nearly 6.923 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of estimated gas reserves. These reserves are expected to last us for another 52 years at current consumption levels. So, while there are ample reserves, that number seems small when you consider natural gas consumption.
While natural gas is a much more environmentally friendly option, especially compared to oil and coal, it is not without its faults. Since it is a fossil fuel, a limited quantity of natural gas is at our disposal. Once we run out of our current reserves, we will run out of natural gas.
It is a non-renewable natural resource. This is because the formation of fossil fuels takes millions and billions of years. Organic material turns into fossil fuels through a particular and slow process. This makes natural gas an unreliable source of energy.
A Viable Alternative
It is high time we search for alternatives to traditional sources of energy production, like fossil fuels. Alternatives that are environmentally friendly and can be replenished easily so they are not exhausted are necessary. There are many potential contenders, like solar power or nuclear energy. Yet, one viable alternative that has the potential to revolutionize the energy sector is renewable natural gas (RNG).
Renewable natural gas, also known as biomethane, is a form of biogas purified extensively to produce a gas that is 90% composed of methane. So, much like traditional natural gas, renewable natural gas is made from organic material. However, the production of RNG takes less than millions or billions of years and in fact, occurs in timescales of predominantly 1 to 100 years. Additionally, the high degree of purification of biogas to produce biomethane, which is alternatively called RNG, makes the latter a far cleaner fuel than the source biogas, so much like traditional natural gas that it is used interchangeably.
Natural Gas Versus RNG
Here is a comprehensive comparison between traditional natural gas and RNG for better clarity:
Production
Traditional natural gas is a type of fossil fuel. It is a naturally occurring resource that is made up of organic material. The decomposed bodies of animals and plants become trapped under sediments of rock. These trapped organic compounds break down and chemical reactions take place over extended periods to create fossil fuels.
RNG, on the other hand, does not occur naturally. It is created using biomass, which is organic material from living things. The biomass contains methane that is captured and purified to produce RNG.
Process
Natural gas requires a simple extraction, separation, and distribution process. The gas is extracted and transported to a processing facility where it is purified. Extra materials, such as water, oil, carbon dioxide, etc, are all removed. The purified gas is liquefied and moved up to distribution facilities.
In contrast, the processing involved in RNG production consists of capturing methane. Methane present in organic material is trapped and purified to remove any additional elements and compounds.
Cost
Currently, traditional natural gas is much more cost-effective than RNG. This is mainly due to the abundant supply of traditional natural gas. However, as the natural reserves will deplete the cost of natural gas will rise accordingly.
While RNG is at present costlier, improved technological methods and an expansion in the scale of production are expected to lower the price soon. Greater interest and investment are necessary to make RNG an even more viable source of clean and renewable energy.
Distribution and Use
After being extracted and processed, natural gas is distributed along large distances for final usage. Natural gas is transported via a large and complex grid of gas pipelines. The pipeline requires a lot of investment and regular maintenance. Companies like ReCo Energy Solutions provide excellent services that elevate the safety measures at natural gas facilities. The gas is used to generate energy for all kinds of industries, residential and commercial buildings, for heating and cooking purposes.
The distribution and usage of RNG is similar to that of traditional natural gas. RNG is mostly methane, much like natural gas derived from fossil fuels. The same distribution lines that are used for conventional natural gas can be used for RNG. This implies there is no need for additional infrastructure where the distribution of RNG is concerned.
Environmental Impact
Traditional natural gas is a cleaner fuel source. Natural gas consumption produces much less emissions. However, the environmental impact caused by natural gas extraction and processing is quite adverse. Using traditional natural gas also results in a depletion of natural resources. an irreversible change in the environment is the inevitable outcome as a result.
In contrast, not only is the usage of RNG much better for the environment. Since it is a cleaner fuel just like traditional natural gas, it is also renewable. The usage of RNG does not lead to its depletion to the point that it becomes unavailable.
The production of RNG also reduces methane emissions. Methane is a greenhouse gas that is quite potent. Trapping methane and preventing it from entering the Earth’s atmosphere prevents the harmful impact it might have as a greenhouse gas.
Time for Change
It is time we reduce our dependence on fossil fuels as a source of energy. These are unreliable due to their limited availability, which makes prospects uncertain. It is best to search for and invest in renewable sources of energy. Renewable natural gas, derived from biogas, is among the best alternatives.
RNG uses organic matter that can be recycled and turned into a viable energy source. This not only produces cleaner energy but also one that is renewable and reduces waste. The use of biogas to make RNG leads to the recycling of organic material that otherwise would have ended up in landfills or in the water environment causing nutrient gain – a form of pollution. Using biogas is a way of reducing pollution at the same time as producing energy. This is a truly revolutionary approach, one that requires more attention and funding.
FAQs: Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) vs. Natural Gas
What is Renewable Natural Gas (RNG)?
RNG, also known as biomethane, is a purified form of biogas produced from organic waste materials such as food waste, agricultural residues, or sewage. It is chemically identical to conventional natural gas (methane) but is derived from renewable sources.
How is Renewable Natural Gas different from Natural Gas?
RNG is produced from renewable resources like organic waste, while natural gas is a fossil fuel extracted from underground deposits. RNG has a much lower carbon footprint and contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, whereas natural gas combustion emits significant CO2 without offsetting its extraction impact.
Is RNG interchangeable with Natural Gas?
Yes, RNG is chemically similar to natural gas and can be injected into existing natural gas pipelines. It can be used in the same applications, including heating, electricity generation, and as fuel for vehicles.
What are the environmental benefits of RNG?
- Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions: RNG prevents methane from organic waste from escaping into the atmosphere.
- Renewable Energy Source: RNG utilizes waste materials, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
- Waste Management: RNG production supports sustainable disposal of organic waste.
How is RNG produced?
RNG is created by capturing biogas from the decomposition of organic materials in anaerobic digesters or landfills. The biogas undergoes cleaning and upgrading processes to remove impurities, leaving nearly pure methane.
Is RNG more expensive than Natural Gas?
The cost of RNG production is generally higher than natural gas due to the processing and purification involved. However, policy incentives and environmental benefits often offset the cost difference.
Can RNG contribute to energy independence?
Yes, RNG can diversify energy sources by tapping into local waste streams, reducing dependency on imported natural gas.
What are the challenges associated with RNG?
- Production Costs: RNG is currently more expensive to produce than natural gas.
- Infrastructure Limitations: Limited access to biogas upgrading facilities and pipeline injection points can restrict RNG deployment.
- Feedstock Availability: The availability of organic waste for RNG production is finite and may vary by location.
What policies promote RNG adoption?
Many governments incentivize RNG through renewable energy credits, carbon offset programs, and grants for biogas infrastructure. Programs like California's Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) also encourage RNG use in transportation.
Can RNG replace Natural Gas entirely?
While RNG offers a sustainable alternative, its production capacity is not yet sufficient to meet global natural gas demand. It is better suited as a complementary energy source for decarbonizing sectors like transportation and industrial heating.
Why is RNG considered carbon-neutral?
RNG is often considered carbon-neutral because it recycles carbon already present in organic waste. Unlike natural gas, RNG does not introduce new fossil carbon into the atmosphere when burned.
Is RNG safe to use?
Yes, RNG is as safe as natural gas, given it is treated to meet the same quality and safety standards.