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Canada: New Funding for Greener Natural Gas Projects
Here’s an overview of key biogas news.
GOVERNMENT POLICIES & LAW
Emissions Reduction Alberta launching $50 million program to drive new natural gas tech
Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA) is launching a new funding program for development of technologies that reduce the footprint of natural gas production. Under the Natural Gas Challenge, which has a total purse of $50 million, ERA will match private investment up to $10 million per project and up to 50 percent of total project costs. ERA is looking for technologies that are at least ready to field pilot in areas including new natural gas production and processing systems; addressing leaks and fugitive emissions.
Read more on Emisson Reduction Alberta
British Gas utilising biomethane in new renewable tariff
British Gas has launched a 100% renewable tariff, providing customers with renewable electricity matched through Guarantees of Origin certificates or Renewable Energy Guarantee of Origin Certificates. The Green Future Tariff includes green gas, with 10% sourced from biomethane produced by renewables, and the remaining 90% carbon offset thanks to a partnership with ClimateCare. The carbon is offset through carbon reduction projects in developing countries by purchasing Verified Emission Reduction Certificates from traceable projects verified by the Verified Carbon Standard.
Read more on Bioenergy Insight
CITIES AND MUNICIPALITIES
Renewable natural gas? Yes, it’s a thing, and now Philly residents can get it
Philadelphia residents have long enjoyed a number of different options when it comes to choosing who supplies the natural gas that runs through the Philadelphia Gas Works pipelines into every house in the city. Certain suppliers promised better prices, while others promoted better services. But none in Philadelphia offered anything other than traditional fossil-based natural gas. Until now. As of this month, Philadelphians can choose a cleaner option: gas produced in landfills, known as biogas.
Winnipeg looking to convert trash gas to cash
The City of Winnipeg will study how best to reuse its landfill gases. A request for proposals seeks a company to study how to utilize the methane, carbon dioxide and other gases produced by decomposing materials at the dump, while also providing a cost-benefit analysis for each option. The feasibility study, which will cost the city up to $120,000, is set to explore three main reuse options: Electricity generation (to be sold to Manitoba Hydro). Pipeline quality gas to be sold to the open market (as renewable natural gas that can function like standard natural gas). A gas supply to be provided to the University of Manitoba.
COMPANIES & ORGANIZATIONS
Natural and renewable gas: Joint call to accelerate the deployment of refuelling infrastructure
The European Biogas Association (EBA), the Natural & bio Gas Vehicle Association (NGVA Europe) and the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) are calling on EU policy makers to accelerate the deployment of infrastructure to deliver natural gas and renewable gas/biomethane across the European Union. Europe needs to trigger a successful energy transition as part of the roadmap leading to full net-zero emissions mobility by 2050. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) are concrete solutions for both private vehicles and freight transport by road that can make an important contribution to this transition, while also being complementary to other alternative powertrain and fuel options.
Green hydrogen plant in Chetwynd project has investor
The green energy investment arm of Macquarie Capital will finance a new $200-plus million renewable hydrogen plant in Chetwynd, says project developer Juergen Puetter of Renewable Hydrogen Canada (RH2C). Macquarie Capital’s Green Investment Group is one of three partners in a consortium that includes FortisBC and RH2C.
Read more on Alaska Highway News
Aemetis Awarded $4.1 Million Grant for Biogas Upgrading Unit to Produce Pipeline-Quality Renewable Natural Gas
Aemetis, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMTX) (“Aemetis”) announced today that the California Energy Commission (“CEC”) awarded the company’s subsidiary, Aemetis Biogas LLC (“Aemetis Biogas”), a $4.1 million grant under the CEC’s Low Carbon Fuel Production Program to construct a biogas upgrading facility. The biogas upgrading facility will convert dairy biogas to renewable natural gas (“RNG”) as a final processing step after biogas is delivered via pipeline from anaerobic digesters that Aemetis Biogas is building at dairies throughout Stanislaus and Merced Counties. Aemetis Biogas is currently developing more than a dozen anaerobic digesters at local dairies, with plans for future expansion to several dozen dairies.
Brightmark Energy announces Florida RNG project
Brightmark Energy, a San Francisco-based waste and energy development company, announced today that it has partnered with four dairy farms in central Florida to build and operate three anaerobic digesters that will convert a total of 230,000 tons of dairy manure per year from 9,900 cows into renewable natural gas (RNG). Brightmark will develop, own, and operate the project. The project includes the construction of new anaerobic digesters at four Larson family dairy farms in Okeechobee County, including two farms owned by Larson Dairy,Inc. and two farms owned by JM Larson Inc.
RESEARCHES & STUDIES
Industry insight: Five smart ways to increase engine efficiency on AD plants
The UK’s anaerobic digestion industry has experienced rapid growth over the past 10 years, with a total of 648 plants now in operation. Despite the recent increase in biomethane facilities, most of the biogas produced from anaerobic digestion (AD) is used to generate electricity and heat, making the combined heat and power (CHP) engines that convert biogas into usable energy a vital piece of equipment. But with many of these engines now at least five years old, what is the impact when they fail or underperform?
Read more on PEI
Farmers fuelling Ireland’s future
2019 will be remembered as the year in which Irish farmers reached a tipping point in the discussion on climate change. Rather than being blamed, farmers need to be part of the solution. The agriculture sector, which accounts for 33% of Ireland’s emissions, compared with an EU average of 10%, is already confronting a period of profound change as it contemplates the prospect of the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union, EU beef imports from Mercosur countries, low profitability in some activities and possible future reductions in the CAP budget.