In the rolling landscape of Meade County, Kan., a quiet revolution is underway. Amid the vast expanse of farmland and open skies, organic waste is being transformed into a powerful force for positive change: Renewable Natural Gas, or RNG.

Plains, a town in western Meade County, has rapidly gained recognition since 2020, thanks to Shell’s first 100% dairy RNG production facility. This western Kansas site is one of several such facilities in North America.

In Plains, Shell focuses exclusively on turning locally sourced cow manure into a renewable substitute for conventional natural gas. This cleaner, lower-carbon fuel has the potential to help companies accelerate life-cycle emissions reductions while also stimulating economic growth. That’s why Shell Energy, the power and gas trading and marketing arm for Shell, has also made significant investments in RNG, such as a recent agreement for significant offtake with Enbridge: to offer an attractive alternative in tandem with traditional fuels.

The Unassuming Power of RNG

RNG is derived from sources like agricultural and food waste, manure, wastewater treatment plants, and household and commercial waste from landfills. At first glance, it may seem an unlikely hero, but its impact is profound. With a lower life-cycle carbon intensity than traditional natural gas — because its combustion creates biogenic emissions which are part of the natural carbon cycle — RNG can be a critical tool for companies aiming to decarbonize. It can represent a reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of 45% to 398% versus geologic natural gas, depending on the source. This positions RNG as a game-changer in the journey to decarbonization across all sides of the circular value chain:

• Community Impact: RNG plays a vital role in community development, especially in rural areas. Producing RNG from waste-to-energy initiatives not only generates revenue for farmers but also fosters economic growth while reducing environmental pollution — a true embodiment of turning waste into value.

• End-User Benefits: RNG is chemically identical to traditional natural gas, which allows it to seamlessly integrate into existing infrastructure. This fungibility means that businesses — from fleet operators to industrial manufacturers — can switch to RNG without incurring significant upgrade costs. The operational efficiency of RNG not only leads to cost savings but also enhances overall business efficiencies.

• Versatility & Expansion: Initially popular as a fuel for on-road transportation, RNG is now recognized for its versatility across various sectors. Its adoption is growing in industries such as manufacturing, chemicals, utilities, and liquefied natural gas (LNG). RNG’s adaptability ensures it plays a crucial role in the broader shift toward sustainable energy solutions.

Shell Energy’s Leading Move

Shell Energy’s RNG journey began in 2009, marking a commitment to provide customers with cleaner alternatives to conventional fuels. This dedication is further underscored by Shell Energy’s recent strategic deal with Enbridge, North America’s largest natural gas utility by volume, solidifying SENA’s long-term vision for RNG as a viable, smart investment.

In 2024, Enbridge will augment its RNG offerings by acquiring multiple facilities from Morrow Renewables, a prominent player with projects across Texas and Arkansas. In tandem, Shell Energy has cemented its position as a main offtaker through a long-term agreement with Enbridge. This ensures steady RNG supply from Texas-based landfill operations to satisfy customer needs for the next 10 years. This initiative is set to provide Shell Energy with an estimated 31 million MMBtu of RNG, supporting the company’s commitment to aiding customers in lowering their carbon emissions.

RNG is a win-win solution for producers and consumers alike, ” Comer says. “It fits well into the ‘lower emissions, higher value’ proposition that Shell Energy is well-positioned to solve.”

Shell Energy’s commitment to RNG includes investing in sustainable energy sources but also in communities like Plains, where even the most ordinary elements can give rise to extraordinary change. Solutions like RNG can help your company decarbonize operations by lowering lifecycle GHG emissions without costly infrastructure overhauls – all while balancing environmental responsibility with fiscal prudence as you embark on your energy transition.