This article is “sponsored content” as defined by Corporate Knights’ content disclosure policy.
As momentum to meet climate targets increases, renewable natural gas (RNG) is steadily gaining ground as a crucial solution in the fight against climate change. RNG fuel has already seen wide-scale adoption across North America. Here in Ontario, where transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, it’s a viable way for municipalities and fleet owners to step up climate action immediately.
Produced from organic waste, RNG diverts methane that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere (which is about 25 times more harmful than CO2). RNG has tremendous impact; it’s a clean alternative for transit and other fleets, a proven strategy for reducing emissions and a sustainable way to repurpose waste and reduce pressure on local landfill sites. With Ontario’s landfill capacity expected to exhaust by 2032, finding ways to manage waste will soon become a priority issue, if not already.
RNG can be produced and used locally
Used as vehicle fuel, RNG can make a vehicle carbon neutral and even carbon negative—an important differentiator, as no other fuel source, not even electric vehicles, can achieve this.
For example, Ontario’s first carbon-negative bus in Hamilton set new standards for sustainable transit. Launched in partnership with Enbridge Gas, the bus is fuelled by RNG that’s produced locally at the StormFisher facility in London, Ontario. In one year, the bus will effectively divert 450 tonnes of organic waste from local landfills, equivalent to taking 185 cars off the road for a year. It’s an effective circular approach that uses what we throw away to reduce emissions.
Local RNG production in Ontario is ramping up as well, offering more municipalities and private fleets the opportunity to take advantage of a renewable, low-carbon energy source. In Niagara Falls, Enbridge Gas teamed up with Walker Industries and Comcor Environmental to build Ontario’s largest RNG facility. There, landfill waste will be transformed into carbon-neutral energy which can be added to the natural gas network. For perspective, enough RNG will be generated at the Niagara location to heat 8,750 homes every year.
Keep your fleets, green your fuel
There’s a practicality in switching fleets to RNG. With a comparable range and performance to diesel vehicles, even in extreme cold, converting to RNG-fueled vehicles can be more cost-effective than electric. An RNG transit bus is about half the price of an electric bus, and just slightly more than a diesel bus but with lower emissions. RNG is exempt from the federal carbon charge, which can mitigate volatile fuel cost increases. It also utilizes existing natural gas infrastructure.
With RNG, fleets can be gradually converted as diesel and gasoline vehicles come due for replacement. Rather than planning long-term to electrify an entire fleet at once, beginning to gradually convert today can reduce emissions immediately. This is a smart strategy for heavy-duty trucks (which can’t readily be electrified) and light-duty fleets, such as snow plows, refuse trucks, emergency vehicles and delivery trucks.
Maximize climate action with fuel that’s ready today
While opportunities for electrification, hydrogen and other energy alternatives continue to advance, RNG is a ready-now option for municipalities and private fleets seeking to reduce the emissions impact of their vehicles today.
Enbridge Gas is currently working with municipalities and private companies across Ontario to help get more net-zero fleets on the road. From garage modifications and fuelling station facilities to the incremental cost of buses and fuel sourcing, Enbridge provides a cost-effective, turnkey solution that supports your sustainability goals.
Although there is no one-size fits all solution for climate change, RNG will play an important role in the clean energy transition. It’s proven, scalable and available to implement for immediate environmental impact. Contact Enbridge Gas today to help customize a sustainable RNG solution.
Visit enbridgegas.com/rng to learn more.
Further reading: What makes a vehicle carbon negative?
