Environmental benefits of Renewable Natural Gas

With Renewable Natural Gas1 (RNG), we’re creating low-carbon2 energy from organic waste. RNG is helping us transform BC’s energy future and supporting the CleanBC Roadmap to 2030. We’re excited to be working with farmers, landfills, municipalities and other suppliers to make this innovative energy.

Renewable Natural Gas helps reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions

  • When you use RNG, it reduces the GHGs that would otherwise be emitted from using the same amount of conventional natural gas. This versatile, innovative fuel is used to reduce GHG emissions in homes, businesses and the transportation sector.
  • RNG is low-carbon and its combustion of RNG releases biogenic carbon dioxide, which does not add to the natural carbon cycle.

Renewable Natural Gas production can create sustainable byproducts

  • Our suppliers may be able to produce byproducts that can be used as organic fertilizer, mulch or hygienic bedding material for livestock.
  • Local farmers may become less reliant on chemical fertilizers, because these nutrient-rich byproducts can replace or minimize the use of chemical fertilizers.

1Renewable Natural Gas (also called RNG or biomethane) is produced in a different manner than conventional natural gas. It is derived from biogas, which is produced from decomposing organic waste from landfills, agricultural waste and wastewater from treatment facilities. The biogas is captured and cleaned to create Renewable Natural Gas.

2When compared to the lifecycle carbon intensity of conventional natural gas. The burner tip emission factor of FortisBC’s current Renewable Natural Gas (also called RNG or biomethane) portfolio is 0.29 grams of carbon dioxide equivalent per megajoule of energy (gCO2e/MJ). FortisBC’s current RNG portfolio lifecycle emissions are -22 gCO2e/MJ. This is below B.C.’s low carbon threshold for lifecycle carbon intensity of 36.4 gCO2e/MJ as set out in the 2021 B.C. Hydrogen Strategy.