California gas network taps into dairy RNG

Both US-based natural gas provider Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) and biogas producer Calgren announced that renewable natural gas (RNG) from Calgren’s dairy anaerobic digester is being injected into SoCalGas’ pipeline network.

According to the release, the project marks the ‘first’ time that carbon-negative RNG produced from cow manure has been injected directly into SoCalGas' natural gas network.

“Developing renewable natural gas is a smart and cost-effective solution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation and building sectors,” said Sharon Tomkins, SoCalGas vice-president of customer solutions and strategy.

 “Replacing just 16 to 20% of our traditional natural gas with renewable natural gas would reduce emissions equal to electrifying 100% of buildings in the state, but it would be two to three times more cost-effective. Moreover, the renewable natural gas solution does not require expensive appliance changeouts or costly new mandates.”

SoCalGas will be capable of adding up to 2.26 billion cubic feet of RNG each year to its pipeline system from the facility, enough to fuel more than 1,200 Class 8 heavy duty trucks.

“We are proud of what we have accomplished here,” said Lyle Schlyer, Calgren's president.

“The benefits of this partnership between dairy farmers, private industry and SoCalGas are numerous. We produce clean renewable natural gas for use as a carbon-negative fuel which benefits the local community through cleaner air and jobs.”