Renewable Natural Gas

As the world intensifies its focus on decarbonization and environmental responsibility, integrating RNG into business operations can play a pivotal role in achieving carbon reduction targets. In Georgia, landfill methane is a significant source of RNG, and its potential as a sustainable energy source continues to gain attention.

According to a recent report by the Environmental Protection Agency, Georgia has the potential to produce over 180 million cubic feet of RNG per day from landfill methane, which represents a significant opportunity for the state's economy and energy sector.

Another recent study by the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy projects that the development of the RNG industry in Georgia could create over 2,500 jobs and generate over $7 billion in economic benefits by 2040, highlighting the significant potential of this sector for businesses. However, the development of a thriving RNG industry in Georgia faces significant challenges, including regulatory barriers, infrastructure limitations, and market competition.

This report evaluates the business opportunities and challenges facing the RNG industry in Georgia, with a specific focus on landfill methane, and explores the opportunities for investment and growth in the sector.

Opportunities and Challenges

By partnering with landfill operators and other stakeholders in the RNG value chain, businesses can leverage the potential of landfill methane in Georgia to create a sustainable source of energy that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and promotes a more sustainable energy future in Georgia.

Georgia has the potential to produce more than 170 million MMBtu of biogas from various feedstocks, including livestock manure, food waste, and other organic material (eia.gov) - enough to power 5 Million homes. According to the July 2021 census report, there are about 4.5 million housing units in Georgia.

According to Forbes, the State of Georgia is ranked third in the US for its potential for Biomass energy.

YoY increase in the Natural gas consumption in Georgia, peaking at 750,000 million cubic feet in 2021

State of Georgia: Laws and Resources

Renewable Portfolio Standard: Georgia has a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) that requires electric utilities to generate a certain percentage of their electricity from renewable sources by a certain date. The current RPS goal is for 18% of the state's electricity to come from renewable sources by 2021 (read full report).

Biomass Tax Credit: Georgia offers a income tax credit for the production of electricity from biomass. The credit is equal to $3.00 per megawatt hour of electricity produced, up to $1,500,000 per taxpayer per year (read full article).

Biomass Energy Grant Program: This program provides grants to organizations, municipalities and private companies for the construction of biomass energy facilities and the purchase of biomass energy equipment (read full article).

The Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) has a Biomass Energy program which provides low-interest loans to fund the construction of biomass energy facilities, including digesters (read full article).

The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) has a Biomass Utilization Grant Program which provides matching grants to farmers, agricultural businesses, and others to promote the use of biomass for energy production (read full article).

HABEEB ILUFOYE, 04/09/2023