PG&E’s commitment to biomethane

PG&E is committed to renewable biomethane

We were the first energy company in California and the third in the nation to accept dairy derived renewable biomethane into our pipeline system. We promote the use of biomethane, whether for injection into the pipeline system, for use in power generation or for fueling vehicles. We are committed to interconnecting biomethane projects in a way that is both safe and supports the state's climate goals.

What is biomethane?

Biomethane is a 100% renewable energy source which is produced from organic matter like agricultural crops, forestry waste, wooden construction waste, and manure. Major sources of biomethane are non-hazardous landfills, dairies, wastewater treatment plants and other organic sources.

Why biomethane is important

Reduces greenhouse gases

Methane that would have escaped into the atmosphere is captured, then used in place of greenhouse-gas emitting fuels.

24/7 green energy source

Other clean energy sources depend on fluctuating factors like sunshine and wind. Renewable natural gas can be used at any time.

Promotes the development of clean-sourced energy

Developing a renewable energy source that can take over many of the roles of traditional fossil fuels.

Helps meet the California Renewables Portfolio Standard

The ambitious goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% below 1990 levels by 2030, and 80% below 1990 levels by 2050.

How a biomethane system works

Biodigester - Breaks down waste products like manure or leftover food. This produces biogas, which is a mixture of methane and other elements. The biogester then feeds a gas engine or biogas upgrading unit.

Gas engine - Incinerates the biogas, which produces the energy to drive a shaft. The gas engine also powers a generator.

Biogas upgrading unit - Removes moisture, carbon dioxide and other constituents of concern from the biogas, yielding biomethane.

Generator - Uses the spinning shaft to create electricity, which can be used locally or transferred to the power grid.

Biomethane fueling station - Provides biomethane for onsite vehicles such as garbage trucks and delivery fleet or equipment.

Pipeline connection - Transfers biomethane from the production facility to homes and businesses statewide.

How biomethane can be used

Biomethane can be used in a variety of different ways. That’s one of the reasons it makes sense for Californians to work together to bring this renewable energy source online.

Part of the natural gas supply

Biomethane is interchangeable with natural gas and can enter the natural gas pipeline system where it will be used to create heat in homes, offices and factories across California.

Fueling vehicles

Biomethane can be used in compressed natural gas or liquefied natural gas vehicles. Biomethane used in near-zero emission, heavy-duty trucks can deliver some of the best greenhouse gas emission reductions for our state.

Creating electricity

Biomethane can be used to create electricity through reciprocating engines, turbines or fuel cells. This makes it a very clean source of energy for our state.

If you’re interested in learning more about the program, contact us at biomethane@pge.com.

Interconnecting with PG&E

Gas supply absorption capacity map

Have a gas supply project location? Use our Gas Supply Absorption Capacity map to get a relative idea of PG&E’s ability to accept your gas supply. The system is constantly changing so use the map only as a cursory tool. We encourage you to contact us with your project information so we can start an Initial Feasibility Study.

Use the gas supply absorption capacity map

Steps to interconnecting with PG&E

Interconnection Screening Study

First, provide some information about your project, including your supply source, location and volume. After our analysis, we’ll let you know about the nearest pipeline location that can accept your supply.

Allow: Up to 15 business days
Cost: No cost
Preliminary Engineering Study

We’ll send a project team with engineers and project planners to your site. The team will review the most efficient and safest route to make the pipeline connection, and then develop a preliminary cost estimate for the interconnection.

Allow: Up to 90 business days
Cost: $50K
Detailed Engineering Study and Construction

This is the engineering and construction phase. We’ll finalize the project design and provide more detailed estimates. Then construction will begin.

Allow: Up to 180 business days for DES
Cost: $2-$5M*

*Project costs will vary depending on project scope, the season in which construction occurs, and on details associated with the project location (e.g., environmentally sensitive areas, railroad or major road or highway crossings, etc.).

Factors to consider for interconnection

Location of your biomethane plant

Long distances can increase costs and permitting requirements.

How much pipeline capacity is available nearby

We need sufficient room in the pipeline to receive the biomethane you may be producing.

Pipeline pressure at the site of the injection

The gas you’re supplying will need to be at least equal to the pressure of the pipeline. Injecting biomethane must be done safely and within acceptable pressure ranges.

Customer demand for gas near your connection

There must be adequate and stable gas demand on the pipeline to accept the biomethane supply from your plant.

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to commonly asked questions about biomethane.

Visit frequently asked questions

R&D Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) roadmap

PG&E R&D RNG Value Chain 2018

The Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) Value Chain document is a framework that takes a holistic view of the RNG process by highlighting the key segments from raw materials to end use in a simple visual medium. The document is meant to convey the entire RNG picture.

Download PG&E RNG Value Chain (PDF, 487 KB)

PG&E R&D RNG Roadmap 2022

Encompassing the key segments covered in the RNG Value Chain, the RNG Roadmap lays out PG&E’s plan in the RNG and clean fuels space over the next 10-15 years. It also highlights the focus areas where PG&E sees opportunities, as well as initiatives for each focus area.

Download PG&E RNG Roadmap 2022 (PDF, 1.73 MB)

PG&E R&D RNG Whitepapers

The PG&E Gas R&D and Innovation team has developed seven whitepapers covering the steps highlighted in the RNG Value Chain, including Biomass, Biochar, Conversion, Upgrading, RNG Demand, Alternative Carbon Markets and Hydrogen. Each whitepaper provides a general overview of these topics, as well as a description of the current state of technology.

Download the following:

Whitepaper: Alternative Carbon Markets 9/19/2018 (PDF, 1.1 MB)

Whitepaper: Biochar Analysis 6/15/2018 (PDF, 385 KB)

Whitepaper: Biogas Upgrading 10/19/2018 (PDF, 925 KB)

Whitepaper: Biomass 9/18/2018 (PDF, 1.3 MB)

Whitepaper: Conversion 8/30/2018 (PDF, 1.0 KB)

Whitepaper: Pipeline Hydrogen 9/18/2018 (PDF, 1.8 MB)

Whitepaper: Renewable Natural Gas Demand 8/30/2018 (PDF, 1.1 MB)

PG&E R&D RNG Technical Analyses

The PG&E Gas R&D and Innovation team has developed thirteen Technical Analyses that take a deeper dive at covering individual technologies that are mentioned in the RNG whitepapers. Topics include anaerobic digestion, gasification, methanation, water scrubbing, fuel cells and more.