Jumpstarting Renewable Natural Gas for Transportation

CALSTART, the world’s leading clean transportation consortium, today announced it is developing a revolutionary road map to a renewable energy future with clean biogas, or “renewable natural gas” (RNG) for transportation. Co-hosted by SoCal Gas, a one day workshop, “Jumpstarting Renewable Natural Gas for Transportation,” will culminate in a road map to build more widespread use of the renewable fuel. The action-based workshop will showcase experts from the California Energy Commission, Argonne National Laboratory, and the US Department of Agriculture, on Thursday, November 18 from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Southern California Gas Company Energy Research Center in Downey, California.

Using agricultural and municipal waste, as well as forest residue, biological waste is converted into biogas which is used to power electrical generators, turbines, or fuel cells to generate electricity. Jumpstarting RNG focuses the conversation specifically on transportation and includes a strategic look at policies and regulations, production and distribution, vehicle demonstrations, pricing, and steps to make the fuel work for fleets. The Workshop will highlight the significant advances that have been made, as well as barriers to entry and new opportunities. Jumpstarting RNG draws upon the expertise of government officials, landfill operators, technology leaders and researchers in an interactive format designed to advance the market readiness of RNG.

“RNG is the lowest carbon fuel for transportation; it’s abundant; and it’s renewable,” said John Boesel, President and CEO of CALSTART. “Using RNG recycles waste, displaces fossil fuels and mitigates greenhouse gas emissions. This workshop will help lead the way to an innovative new domestic industry that creates green collar jobs while cleaning the air,” he continued.

In addition to CALSTART’s Boesel, Jumpstarting RNG’s speakers are Hal Snyder, Southern California Gas; Jim Boyd and Peter Ward, California Energy Commission; Marianne Mintz, Argonne National Lab; and Chris Cassidy, USDA. The focus on transportation includes Catherine Dunwoody, Hydrogen Fuel Cell Partnership; Steve Ellis, American Honda; Mike Gallagher, Westport Innovations; and Larry Wnuk, CALSTART. Experts on production include Harrison Clay, Clean Energy; Steve Eckhardt, Linde Group; Bill Liss, GTI; and Bill Zobel, Trillium. The companies representing the fleet perspective include Coca-Cola Enterprises North America and the UK; Waste Management; and CR&R. In addition to Southern California Gas, sponsors include Clean Energy, Westport Innovations and O’Melveny and Myers.

Jumpstarting RNG for Transportation will be held Thursday, November 18 from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Southern California Gas Company Energy Research Center, 9240 Firestone Blvd., Downey, California. The agenda and registration information is available online: http://www.calstart.org/events/calstart-events.aspx.

CALSTART is a member organization of more than 130 firms, fleets and agencies worldwide dedicated to supporting a growing high-tech, clean transportation industry that cleans the air, creates jobs, displaces oil and reduces global warming emissions. Visit www.calstart.org.