1. What are the top renewable gas options currently available in Oregon?

The top renewable gas options currently available in Oregon include:

1. Biogas: Produced through the anaerobic digestion of organic materials such as agricultural waste, food waste, and sewage. Biogas can be upgraded to biomethane and used as a substitute for natural gas in homes, businesses, and transportation.

2. Renewable Natural Gas (RNG): Also known as biomethane, RNG is produced from biogas through a purification process that removes impurities such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. It has the same composition as conventional natural gas and can be used in the same way.

3. Hydrogen: Can be produced from renewable sources through electrolysis or biomass gasification, making it an emissions-free option for heating buildings and powering vehicles.

4. Biodiesel: Made from vegetable oils or animal fats, biodiesel can be blended with diesel fuel or used on its own to power diesel engines without any modifications.

5. Ethanol: Made from crops such as corn or sugarcane, ethanol is used as a biofuel additive to gasoline to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation.

6. Wood pellets: Made from compressed sawdust and other wood by-products, wood pellets can be burned in stoves or boilers for heating purposes instead of relying on fossil fuels like oil or coal.

7. Geothermal energy: Utilizes heat from the Earth’s core to generate electricity or provide direct heating and cooling for buildings.

8. Solar energy: Can power homes and businesses through the installation of solar panels that convert sunlight into electricity.

9. Wind energy: Captures wind power using turbines to generate electricity and can either supplement local supply or provide 100% renewable energy for communities.

10. Wave energy: Utilizes the motion of ocean waves to generate electricity through specialized devices placed offshore.

2. How does Oregon compare to other states in terms of utilizing renewable gas?

Oregon ranks among the top states in terms of utilizing renewable gas, ranking second in the nation behind California according to data from the US Energy Information Administration. As of 2020, Oregon produces over 670 million cubic feet of renewable natural gas (RNG) per year, representing about 9% of total US RNG production. This is due in part to Oregon’s state policies and incentives that have encouraged the development and use of renewable gas.

Other states, such as California, Washington, and New York also have strong policies and incentives in place to support the production and use of renewable gas. However, Oregon stands out for its strong commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through its Renewable Fuel Standard program which requires a certain percentage of transportation fuel to be derived from renewable sources including biogas.

Overall, while there is still room for improvement, Oregon is a leading state in utilizing renewable gas and shows promising potential for continued growth in this sector.

3. What policies or initiatives has Oregon implemented to promote renewable gas adoption?

1. Renewable Natural Gas Standard (RNG Standard): In 2018, Oregon enacted a RNG
Standard that requires natural gas utilities to obtain 5% of their supply from renewable sources by 2020, increasing to 15% by 2030.

2. Tax incentives: Oregon offers tax incentives for the production and use of renewable gas. These include a production credit for biogas projects and a tax exemption for equipment used in the production or distribution of renewable fuels.

3. Statewide Clean Fuels Program: The Clean Fuels Program requires fuel providers to reduce the carbon intensity of transportation fuels they sell in Oregon by at least 10% by 2025.

4. Community Solar Program: This program allows ratepayers to invest in community-based solar projects, including those that generate RNG from organic waste.

5. Net Metering: Oregon’s net metering policy allows customers who generate renewable gas on site to receive credits on their utility bills for any excess energy they export back onto the grid.

6. Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS): Oregon’s RPS requires utilities to obtain a certain percentage of their electricity from renewable sources, which can include biomass and biogas.

7. Grants and Rebates: The state provides grants and rebates for projects that produce or utilize renewable gas, such as the Energy Trust Biogas Project Grants and Renewable Energy Development Grants.

8. Education and outreach programs: The state also has various education and outreach programs to raise awareness about renewable gas opportunities and benefits, such as workshops, webinars, and publications.

9. Low Carbon Fuel Standards: In addition to the Clean Fuels Program, Oregon has also enacted Low Carbon Fuel Standards that require suppliers of transportation fuels to reduce the carbon intensity of their products over time.

10. Partnerships with local governments/organizations: The state works closely with local governments and organizations to promote renewable gas development through partnerships, grants, and technical assistance programs.

4. Can consumers in Oregon choose to receive renewable gas instead of traditional natural gas?

Yes, consumers in Oregon can choose to receive renewable gas instead of traditional natural gas. Some utility companies offer renewable natural gas (RNG) programs where customers can opt to have a portion or all of their natural gas supply come from renewable sources. There are also third-party companies that specialize in supplying renewable gas directly to consumers.

5. What is the potential for renewable hydrogen production in Oregon?

The potential for renewable hydrogen production in Oregon is significant. The state boasts abundant renewable resources, such as wind, solar, and hydro power, which can be harnessed to produce green hydrogen. It also has existing infrastructure and expertise in the energy sector that can support the development of renewable hydrogen production.

According to a study by the Oregon Department of Energy, the state has the potential to produce over 1 million kilograms of green hydrogen per year. This amount could be scaled up significantly with further investment and development.

Additionally, Oregon has set ambitious greenhouse gas emission reduction goals, including reducing emissions to 10% below 1990 levels by 2020 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Renewable hydrogen can play a crucial role in meeting these targets by replacing fossil fuels in transportation and industry.

Furthermore, several major projects are already underway in Oregon to develop renewable hydrogen production facilities. For example, Portland-based startup NW Natural is partnering with the City of Portland to build a facility that will use excess wind power to produce green hydrogen for fuel cell cars. Another project led by Siemens aims to develop technology for converting wind power into hydrogen at a pilot facility on the coast.

Overall, the potential for renewable hydrogen production in Oregon is substantial and continues to grow as technology advances and investments increase in this emerging industry.

6. Has there been any investment in biogas production facilities in Oregon?

Yes, there has been investment in biogas production facilities in Oregon. Some examples include:
– The Eastern Oregon Renewable Fuels Plant in Boardman which uses anaerobic digestion to produce biogas from local agricultural waste.
– Oakfield Organics, a farm in Junction City, which produces electricity from biogas using an anaerobic digester.
– A partnership between Pacific Northwest environmental consulting firms and a dairy farm in Tillamook County to develop a large-scale biodigester facility that will convert cow manure into renewable energy.
– The Rogue Valley Clean Energy Biogas Plant in White City, which produces clean, renewable electricity for the region’s electric grid by capturing and converting methane gas from the decomposing process of waste at a nearby landfill.

7. Are there any tax incentives or rebates available for using renewable gas in Oregon?

Yes, there are tax incentives and rebates available for using renewable gas in Oregon.

1. Federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS): The federal RFS program requires transportation fuel sold in the U.S. to contain a certain percentage of renewable fuel, including renewable gas. Fuel suppliers who blend or produce renewable gas can earn credits which can be sold or traded to other fuel suppliers.

2. Oil Company Revenue Sharing: Under Oregon’s Clean Fuels Program, oil companies are required to meet targets for reducing the carbon intensity of their transportation fuels. They may choose to invest in renewable gas projects in order to achieve these targets and receive credit.

3. Business Energy Tax Credit (BETC): The BETC provides a tax credit of up to 50% of the cost of equipment used in renewable energy projects, including biogas, up to a maximum of $10 million per facility.

4. Renewable Energy Certificate Program (REC): Facilities that produce electricity from renewable resources, including biogas, can sell Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) on the open market. Each REC represents one megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity generated from eligible sources and can be purchased by power providers or consumers looking to offset their electricity use with clean energy.

5. Oregon Community Solar Program: Through this program, utility customers can invest in community solar projects and receive credits on their utility bills based on the amount of electricity produced by the project. Biogas-fueled electric generators may qualify for this program.

6. Property Tax Exemption: In Oregon, facilities producing energy from an alternative resource are exempt from property taxes for a period of five years.

7. State Income Tax Deduction for Energy Conservation Facilities: Businesses engaged in activities related to conservation or alternative energy production may deduct expenses incurred during investments in energy conservation facilities from state income taxes.

It is recommended to consult a licensed tax professional for additional information and guidance on these incentives and rebates.

8. How is the development of landfill gas projects being encouraged in Oregon?

The development of landfill gas projects in Oregon is being encouraged through several initiatives:

1. Government Incentives: The state offers renewable energy incentives, tax credits, and grants to encourage the development of landfill gas projects. These incentives help offset the high upfront costs associated with building and operating a landfill gas project.

2. State Regulations: Oregon requires all landfill operators to capture and control methane emissions from their facilities. This creates a market for capturing and using landfill gas as an energy source.

3. Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS): Under the RPS program, all electric utilities in Oregon are required to increase their use of renewable energy sources, including landfill gas. This creates a guaranteed market for developers to sell their electricity to utility companies.

4. Public-Private Partnerships: The state has formed public-private partnerships to help fund and develop landfill gas projects. This encourages collaboration between private companies and government agencies to overcome financial barriers.

5. Education and Outreach: The state provides education and outreach programs to promote the benefits of landfill gas as an alternative energy source. These efforts aim to raise awareness among businesses, municipalities, and residents about the economic and environmental benefits of using landfill gas for energy production.

6. Innovation and Research: Oregon is home to several research institutions that focus on developing innovative technologies for converting methane into usable products such as electricity or biofuels. These advancements in technology make it easier and more cost-effective for developers to implement landfill gas projects.

7. Green Energy Certification: Landfill gas is certified as a green energy source by the state’s renewable portfolio standard program, making it a desirable investment option for companies looking to meet sustainability goals.

Overall, these measures aim to promote the growth of the landfill gas industry in Oregon by providing financial incentives, creating markets, fostering partnerships, promoting awareness, investing in research, and offering certifications that increase its appeal as an alternative energy source.

9. What steps is Oregon taking to reduce carbon emissions through the use of renewable gases?

1. Renewable Gas Standard: In 2018, Oregon adopted a Renewable Gas Standard (RGS) which requires natural gas utilities to source a certain percentage of their gas from renewable sources, such as biogas and hydrogen, by 2040. This will gradually reduce the use of fossil fuels in the state.

2. Renewable Natural Gas Incentive Program: The Oregon Department of Energy offers financial incentives for projects that produce renewable natural gas, such as digester systems that capture methane emissions from landfills and wastewater treatment plants.

3. Clean Fuels Program: Oregon has a Clean Fuels Program that sets a low-carbon fuel standard and encourages the use of alternative fuels such as biomethane in transportation.

4. Biogas Production Grants: The state provides grants for biogas production projects through the Biogas Management Program. These grants fund feasibility studies, design and construction of biogas facilities, and training for operators.

5. Electric vehicle incentives: Oregon provides tax credits for electric vehicles and infrastructure development to promote the use of clean transportation options.

6. Net metering for biogas systems: Oregon allows net metering for biogas systems, enabling producers to receive credit on their utility bill for excess electricity generated by their system.

7. Renewable portfolio standard: Oregon’s renewable portfolio standard requires electric utilities to obtain 50% of their electricity from renewable sources by 2040, which will encourage the development of wind, solar, and other renewable energy sources that can reduce reliance on natural gas-fired power plants.

8. Statewide decarbonization efforts: As part of its statewide climate action plan, Oregon is developing strategies to decarbonize its energy sector by transitioning to cleaner sources of energy such as renewables.

9. Federal funding support: Oregon is actively pursuing federal funding opportunities that support construction and expansion of renewable gas facilities, such as grants from the US Department of Agriculture’s Rural Energy for America Program.

10. Are biomass resources being utilized for renewable gas production in Oregon?

Yes, biomass resources are being utilized for renewable gas production in Oregon. The state has several projects that use biomass to produce biogas, which can be used as a renewable replacement for natural gas. These projects include anaerobic digesters at farms, landfills, and wastewater treatment plants, as well as gasification facilities that convert woody biomass into synthetic natural gas. Additionally, wood waste from processing facilities and forest thinning operations can also be converted into renewable gas through methods such as pyrolysis and gasification. Overall, the use of biomass for renewable gas production is expected to continue growing in Oregon in the coming years.

11. What plans does Oregon have for expanding its use of renewable gases in transportation?

Oregon has several plans in place to expand its use of renewable gases in transportation. These include:

1. Clean Fuels Program: Oregon’s Clean Fuels Program (CFP) requires fuel suppliers to reduce the carbon intensity of transportation fuels sold in the state by 20% compared to 2015 levels by 2030. This program encourages the use of renewable gases as a low-carbon alternative to traditional fossil fuels.

2. Renewable Gas Production Incentive and Tax Credit: In 2017, Oregon passed legislation authorizing a tax credit and production incentive for renewable gas producers. The tax credit provides a credit of $15 per million BTUs of raw biogas produced, while the production incentive provides a payment of $1 per gallon for liquefied natural gas (LNG) or compressed natural gas (CNG) produced from biogas.

3. Clean Transportation Infrastructure Grants: The Oregon Department of Energy offers grants to support the development of alternative fuel infrastructure, including renewable gas refueling stations.

4. Renewable Natural Gas Study: In 2020, Oregon completed a study on the potential for renewable natural gas production in the state, including an assessment of feedstock availability and costs, technology options, and potential economic benefits.

5. Electric Vehicle Adoption Goals: As part of its goal to have at least 50,000 registered electric vehicles (EVs) on Oregon roads by 2020, the state is also encouraging more EV charging infrastructure through grants and other incentives.

6. The Electric Highway: Oregon is partnering with other west coast states to establish an “Electric Highway” along Interstate 5 that will offer fast-charging stations every 25-50 miles to make long-distance travel possible for EV drivers.

7. Green Mobility Program: The Green Mobility Program is a partnership between Portland General Electric (PGE) and Pacific Power that offers incentives for commercial fleets to switch their diesel vehicles to electric or clean alternative fuel vehicles, including renewable gas-powered vehicles.

Overall, Oregon has a comprehensive plan in place to increase the use of renewable gases in transportation and reduce the state’s reliance on fossil fuels.

12. Have there been any successful examples of community-scale renewable gas projects in Oregon?

Yes, there have been several successful community-scale renewable gas projects in Oregon.

One example is the Forest Grove Renewable Natural Gas Project, located in Washington County. This project uses anaerobic digestion to convert food waste into renewable natural gas, which is then injected into the local natural gas distribution system. The project has been operating since 2013 and has the capacity to produce enough renewable gas to power 1,200 homes.

Another successful project is the McMinnville Renewable Natural Gas Plant, also located in Yamhill County. This plant utilizes landfill gas from a nearby landfill to produce renewable natural gas, which is then distributed through the local natural gas pipeline. The plant has been operational since 2015 and has the capacity to produce enough energy to power 2,500 homes.

In addition, several Oregon cities have implemented biogas capture systems at their wastewater treatment facilities. These systems collect methane from municipal wastewater and purify it into renewable natural gas that can be used for heating or transportation fuel.

Overall, these projects demonstrate the potential for community-scale renewable gas projects in Oregon and serve as examples for other communities looking to reduce their carbon footprint and increase their use of renewable energy.

13. Is it possible for households and businesses to generate their own renewable gas in Oregon?

Yes, it is possible for households and businesses to generate their own renewable gas in Oregon through various methods such as anaerobic digestion of organic waste, landfill gas capture, and biomass gasification. These processes produce biogas, a type of renewable gas that can be used for heating, cooking, or producing electricity. Some utilities in Oregon even offer programs for customers to install small-scale biogas digesters at their homes or businesses.

14. Is there an established market for buying and selling renewable gas credits in Oregon?

Yes, there is an established market for buying and selling renewable gas credits (RGCs) in Oregon. This market is primarily governed by the Oregon Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program, which was established in 2016 to encourage the use of renewable fuels like biogas and biodiesel in transportation. The RFS requires fuel suppliers to either blend a certain amount of renewable fuels into their products or purchase RGCs from producers of these fuels.

The market for RGCs is overseen by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Each year, DEQ sets a value for RGCs based on the projected cost of compliance with the RFS. This value is then used as a reference price for trading RGCs between buyers and sellers.

Producers of renewable gas, such as biogas from dairy farms or landfills, can generate and sell RGCs based on the volume of gas they produce. Fuel suppliers can then purchase these credits to meet their required obligations under the RFS. These transactions are typically facilitated through third-party brokers or exchanges.

In addition to the RFS program, there are also voluntary markets for buying and selling renewable gas credits in Oregon. These markets allow organizations, such as businesses or government agencies, to voluntarily support the production of renewable gas and offset their carbon footprint.

Overall, Oregon’s established market for buying and selling renewable gas credits helps drive investment in clean energy projects while reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation.

15. How does the cost of using traditional natural gas compare to using 100% renewable gas options in Oregon?

It is difficult to compare the cost of traditional natural gas to 100% renewable gas options in Oregon, as it can vary depending on location and specific energy providers. In general, the initial cost of renewable gas technologies (such as biogas or hydrogen) may be higher than traditional natural gas infrastructure. However, over the long term, renewable gas sources can potentially have lower operating and maintenance costs and reduce the impact of volatile fossil fuel prices. It ultimately depends on factors such as availability and accessibility of renewable gas options, subsidies and incentives, and market competition.

16. Are there any efforts being made by utilities to transition towards more renewable gases in their supply mix?

Yes, many utilities are currently making efforts to transition towards more renewable gases in their supply mix. This is primarily driven by government policies and regulations that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote the use of renewable energy sources.

One example of this is the Renewable Gas Standard (RGS), which requires California’s natural gas providers to gradually increase the amount of renewable gas in their supplies to 100% by 2045. This has resulted in several utilities investing in biogas and other forms of renewable gases such as hydrogen.

Similarly, many utilities in Europe have set targets to increase the share of renewables in their gas supply mix. For instance, DONG Energy in Denmark has set a target to source 85% of its gas from renewable sources by 2030.

Additionally, utilities are also investing in technologies such as Power-to-Gas (PtG) systems, which convert excess electricity from renewable sources into hydrogen or synthetic natural gas for use in the existing natural gas infrastructure. This allows for better integration of renewables into the grid and reduces reliance on fossil fuels.

Overall, there is a growing trend towards incorporating more renewable gases into utility supply mixes as part of broader efforts towards decarbonization and transitioning towards a greener energy system.

17. Does the state government have a targeted goal or timeline for increasing the use of renewable gases statewide?

While there is no specific targeted goal or timeline for increasing the use of renewable gases statewide, the state government does have various policies and initiatives in place to promote their use. The California Air Resources Board’s Advanced Clean Cars Program aims to increase the use of alternative fuels, including renewable gases, in the transportation sector. Additionally, the state has a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 40% below 1990 levels by 2030, which could potentially drive an increase in renewable gas usage.

In August 2018, Governor Jerry Brown signed SB 1440 into law, which requires retail gas suppliers to purchase a minimum amount of renewable gas each year, with a target of 20% by 2030. This legislation will help drive the growth of renewable gas production and usage in California.

Furthermore, the California Public Utilities Commission has established Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) that require utilities to procure a certain percentage of their energy from renewable sources. This includes biogas produced from dairy and other agricultural waste.

Overall, while there is no specific targeted goal or timeline for increasing the use of renewable gases in California, the state government has taken steps to promote their adoption through various policies and programs.

18. Are there concerns about potential methane emissions from increased use of biogas or landfill gas projects in Oregon?

Yes, there are concerns about potential methane emissions from increased use of biogas or landfill gas projects in Oregon. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas and can contribute to climate change if released into the atmosphere. Additionally, there are risks of operational failures and leaks from these facilities that can lead to local air pollution and health concerns. To address these concerns, regulations and monitoring protocols are put in place to ensure proper management and maintenance of these projects.

19 .What role do renewables play, compared to other sources, when it comes to grid reliability and price stability?

Renewables play a crucial role in grid reliability and price stability. Traditional sources of electricity such as coal, natural gas, and nuclear power have been the predominant sources of energy for decades, but they are finite resources with limited availability.

On the other hand, renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power are infinite, meaning there is an inexhaustible supply of them. This makes them more reliable in the long run as they do not run out like traditional sources.

In terms of grid reliability, renewables also play a significant role because they are decentralized sources of energy. This means that they can be integrated into the grid at multiple points, reducing the risk of blackouts or disruptions in power supply. In contrast, traditional power plants tend to be centralized and connected to the grid through transmission lines which can be vulnerable to damage or outages.

Moreover, renewable energy sources are often paired with energy storage systems such as batteries, which further increases their reliability. These storage systems allow excess energy to be stored for later use when there is high demand or when weather conditions are not favorable for renewable energy generation.

In terms of price stability, renewables also have a positive impact. As mentioned earlier, renewable energy sources have no fuel costs since they rely on natural resources such as sunlight and wind. Therefore, they are less susceptible to fluctuations in fuel prices compared to traditional sources such as coal and natural gas.

Furthermore, renewable energy technologies have become more cost-effective in recent years due to advancements in technology and economies of scale. This has led to a decrease in their overall costs and has made them increasingly competitive with traditional sources of energy.

Overall, renewables contribute significantly to grid reliability by diversifying the source of electricity generation and reducing dependence on finite resources. They also play a crucial role in stabilizing prices since they are not subject to fluctuating fuel costs like traditional sources. As we continue to transition towards cleaner and more sustainable forms of energy, the role of renewables in ensuring reliability and price stability will only continue to grow.

20. Does the public have access to information on how much renewable gas is currently being used in Oregon?

Yes, the Oregon Department of Energy tracks and reports on renewable gas production in the state through its annual Renewable Natural Gas Report. This report provides information on the volume of renewable natural gas produced and consumed in Oregon each year. Additionally, many utility companies provide information on their use of renewable gas in their annual reports or on their websites.