Renewable Natural Gas: What it is and why it matters for the future of energy
As the energy industry works toward a lower-emission future, one solution is gaining ground. Renewable natural gas is becoming a cornerstone of the transition. Also known as RNG or biomethane, this alternative fuel offers a way to reduce waste, cut emissions, and make better use of existing infrastructure.
But what is renewable natural gas, and how does it fit into the bigger energy picture? In this article, we explore what RNG is, how it is produced, and why efficiency and responsible use are essential for today and for the future.
What is renewable natural gas?
Renewable natural gas is a fuel derived from organic waste. Instead of being extracted from underground reservoirs like fossil natural gas, RNG is created from biological sources found on the surface.
Common feedstocks include:
- Landfill gas: Methane captured from decomposing waste in landfills.
- Agricultural waste: Organic material like livestock manure.
- Food waste: Residues from beverage processing and commercial kitchens.
- Wastewater: Sludge processed at wastewater treatment plants.
This waste is broken down through anaerobic digestion, producing biogas. This raw gas is a mix of methane and carbon dioxide. The gas is then cleaned and upgraded into biomethane, which is chemically nearly identical to conventional natural gas.
Once upgraded, it can be injected into existing pipelines, used as vehicle fuel, or burned in gas engines for electricity and heat.
RNG vs. fossil-Based natural gas: What’s the difference?
While RNG and fossil gas are chemically similar, their environmental impact and origins are very different:
| Feature | Renewable Natural Gas | Fossil Natural Gas |
| Source | Organic waste (landfills, manure, etc.) | Underground fossil reserves |
| Carbon footprint | Low to negative (if managed well) | High (emits CO₂ and methane) |
| Renewability | Renewable, part of a circular system | Non-renewable |
| Compatibility | Fully compatible with existing infrastructure | Already in use |
The key distinction lies in the carbon cycle.
Fossil fuels release carbon that has been locked underground for millions of years. This adds new greenhouse gas to the atmosphere.
In contrast, RNG production recycles carbon that is already in the natural cycle. Plants absorb carbon dioxide as they grow. Animals eat the plants. The resulting organic matter produces methane. By capturing this methane, which is a potent greenhouse gas, RNG prevents it from escaping into the atmosphere.
This results in a low-carbon or even carbon-negative lifecycle intensity. This characteristic makes it a powerful tool to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors.
How renewable natural gas is used
Because RNG is fully compatible with fossil natural gas, it can be used in the same systems without needing major infrastructure changes. This versatility drives demand across North America and Europe.
Common applications include:
- Grid injection: It blends seamlessly into the natural gas pipeline network for residential heating and cooking.
- Power generation: It fuels dedicated or hybrid gas-fired plants for reliable electricity generation.
- Industrial use: Manufacturers use it for process heating and steam production to lower their carbon emissions.
- Transportation sector: It serves as a clean energy source for heavy-duty fleets powered by CNG or LNG.
RNG is also increasingly used in decentralized energy solutions where reliability and sustainability are both top priorities.
The benefits and limitations of renewable natural gas
RNG is a meaningful step in the right direction but not a one-size-fits-all answer. Its impact depends on how it is produced and used.
The benefits of RNG are extensive:
- Waste management: It converts problematic organic waste into usable energy.
- Emission reduction: It helps reduce methane emissions from farming and waste sectors.
- Compatibility: It works with existing engines and power systems.
- Energy security: It supports diversification by enabling local energy production.
However, there are challenges:
- Availability: Limited feedstocks and geographic constraints affect scalability compared to fossil sources.
- Cost: Higher production and upgrade costs make it more expensive than fossil gas.
- Leakage risk: Methane leakage must be carefully managed at every RNG facility to ensure climate benefits.
8 examples of natural gas as a fuel source
The future of renewable natural gas
RNG has a growing role in national energy strategies especially in the transportation sector and heavy industry. It is valuable as a bridge technology supporting the energy transition while other renewables scale up.
Looking ahead, we see several trends:
- Policy support as new incentives from agencies like the EPA and the Environmental Protection Agency drive RNG projects.
- Integration, which sees more hybrid systems combining RNG with hydrogen and biomass.
- Investment where major RNG developers are expanding capacity to meet future energy needs.
- Use in carbon-neutral industrial processes
But as with all energy source options, success depends on using RNG efficiently and responsibly.
What is natural gas used for?
How to use renewable natural gas more efficiently
Even renewable energy needs to be handled wisely. Just because RNG is cleaner does not mean it can be used wastefully. In fact, its environmental benefit hinges on how efficiently it is converted into power.
Here’s how natural gas—including RNG—can be used more efficiently and with less environmental impact:
- Upgrade engines and systems to ensure high-energy conversion rates
- Use Combined Heat and Power (CHP) setups to recover and use waste heat
- Implement predictive maintenance to prevent energy loss and reduce downtime
- Install low-emission parts and filters to reduce air pollutants
- Fine-tune gas engines to the specific properties of RNG, which can differ from fossil gas
Each of these measures extends the value of the fuel and reduces unnecessary emissions. When energy systems run more efficiently, they become more sustainable.
PowerUP is your partner for gas engines
At PowerUP, we specialize in helping our customers get the most out of their gas engines no matter the fuel. Whether you are running on fossil gas or transitioning to raw biogas and RNG, we deliver precision engineered spare parts and custom upgrades.
We support your operation with:
- Upgrades that improve combustion, reduce emissions, and increase uptime
- Condition-based overhauls and expert field service
- Reliable performance in over 40 countries—even in critical infrastructure
We offer solutions suitable for Jenbacher®, MWM®, Caterpillar®, MAN®, and other manufacturers. We believe that repairing is better than replacing not just for your engine but for the environment too.
When it comes to renewable natural gas, how you use it matters. We make sure you use it wisely to fight climate change effectively.
