Consumers Energy Supports Decarbonization With Locally Produced Renewable Natural Gas
Sponsored by Consumers Energy
With an ambitious goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Consumers Energy, Michigan’s largest energy provider, is actively developing new solutions for customers to reduce natural gas emissions and their carbon footprint. They have created a renewable natural gas (RNG) program that works with Michigan dairy farmers to convert cow manure into clean fuel.
The program is simple but brilliant: Consumers Energy partners with dairy farmers to break down manure and other waste products, then capture and purify the methane produced, which is upgraded into renewable natural gas that can be used by companies to reduce their carbon footprint.
“Methane is 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas,” says Dustin Wood, project development manager. “This is a great way to turn waste from farms into energy to heat homes and businesses while avoiding the release of harmful methane into the atmosphere. It’s a win for everyone.”
Another benefit is that the RNG program is based in Michigan. Because it’s using waste products from Michigan farms, residents can be less reliant on gas purchased out-of-state. It also delivers potential job creation and increased tax revenues for local communities.
And businesses right here in Michigan can gain from this transformation.
“The value is that the whole process avoids more greenhouse gas than it produces, making it a carbon-negative solution for customers,” says Trevor Blattner, senior product manager. “When compared to other decarbonization options, it makes a highly cost-effective solution for our business customers.”
Visit consumersenergy.com/renewablegas to learn more about Consumers Energy’s renewable natural gas program.
Sponsored by Consumers Energy