What is Renewable Natural Gas?

Renewable Natural Gas is defined as the various gases produced using biological processes to degrade and transform organic matter. Those gases are primarily Methane (CH4) at 55-70%, Carbon Dioxide (CO2) at 30-45%, Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S), Ammonia (NH3) Water vapour (H2O) and a few other gases in small quantity. Proportions will vary depending on the type of feed (agricultural / animal waste, food residue or any other organic matter), bacteria and process.

How is Renewable Natural Gas Produced?

Currently, the main commercial production method of Renewable Natural Gas is to mix this organic matter with bacteria and water into a reactor vessel under anaerobic conditions and capture the various gases and treat them to keep the methane.  

To do that, a biogas plant or system needs to be properly designed and constructed to take into consideration the location, environmental regulation, feed, site access for inputs, but also output gases, and disposal of the digestate (byproduct of the anaerobic digestion).

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In addition to the technical complexities, every jurisdiction has their approval and permit process but also their incentive programs to promote the development of alternative energies, therefore, location, processing and disposal of the byproducts becomes very critical to insure the economic viability of the project.