New white paper shows that renewable gas is a real and viable option that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help build a sustainable energy future
WALTHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--National Grid has today published a white paper - “Renewable Gas - Vision for a Sustainable Gas Network” - that shows how 16% of natural gas demand in the four states National Grid serves (Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, New Hampshire) could be met by renewable gas, and focuses on the role of renewable gas in the clean energy future of the United States.
“Our energy future is at a crossroads, and we have to look at all renewable options. Our paper will hopefully stimulate conversation in the industry and encourage support from policymakers”
As the country moves towards a low-carbon economy, the paper discusses the potential sources of renewable gas in the northeastern U.S. and provides an overview of renewable gas technology. Derived from existing waste sources, renewable gas can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
The paper also outlines what a future sustainable gas network could look like, as well as what needs to be done make the vision a reality.
Commenting on the white paper, Nick Stavropoulos, COO and Executive Vice President of U.S. Gas Distribution at National Grid, said:
“As we move forward to secure our clean energy future in the U.S., we must look at all the options available to us. While we do not know what role renewable gas, new technologies or alternative energy sources will play in the future, we do know that it would be irresponsible of us in the energy industry if we didn’t take a close look at the possibilities and drive that debate.
“Our energy future is at a crossroads, and we have to look at all renewable options. Our paper will hopefully stimulate conversation in the industry and encourage support from policymakers,” added Nick.
Renewable Gas, also known as bio-methane, is pipeline quality gas derived from biomass that is fully interchangeable with natural gas.
National Grid’s white paper looks at a natural gas network supplied by conventional sources, as well as unconventional sources such as shale gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG). The future natural gas network could also carry renewable gas from dairy farms, waste water treatment plants, landfills, wood waste and food waste plants.
Donald Chahbazpour from National Grid’s Sustainable Gas Group said, “So far, direct injection of renewable gas has been limited to a small number of projects in the United States. With this white paper, we are trying to demonstrate how, along with wind and solar, it is another option to meet the clean energy needs of the future.
“We also wanted to educate with this white paper, by clearly illustrating how renewable gas is produced and integrated into an existing natural gas network,” added Donald.
National Grid’s intent is to foster discussion in the industry about how energy providers, policyholders and other stakeholders should examine the opportunity that renewable gas offers to meet our country’s growing energy demands, while ensuring sustainability for future generations.
The white paper can be downloaded at www.nationalgridus.com.
National Grid is an international energy delivery company. In the U.S., National Grid delivers electricity to approximately 3.3 million customers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Rhode Island, and manages the electricity network on Long Island under an agreement with the Long Island Power Authority. It is also the largest distributor of natural gas in the northeastern U.S., serving approximately 3.4 million customers in New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. More information is available at www.nationalgridus.com.
