Renewable Natural Gas - Power Generation

Here’s how RNG power generation typically works:

  • Biogas Production

  • Purification

  • Power Generation

RNG is considered more sustainable than conventional natural gas because it comes from waste sources and its carbon emissions can be offset by the fact that it is capturing and using methane that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.

Biogas Production

Organic waste (e.g., food waste, manure, plant material) is broken down by bacteria in an oxygen-free environment (anaerobic digestion). This process produces biogas, which primarily consists of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2).

Purification

The raw biogas is typically cleaned to remove impurities like CO2, hydrogen sulfide, and moisture. After purification, the methane is considered RNG, which can be injected into the natural gas grid or used directly in power plants.

Power Generation

The RNG is burned in power plants or converted into electricity using gas turbines or internal combustion engines. This electricity can be distributed through the grid or used on-site.