1. What are the top renewable gas options currently available in New Hampshire?
The top renewable gas options currently available in New Hampshire are:1. Biogas: Biogas is a type of renewable gas that is produced from the breakdown of organic matter such as crop waste, food waste, and animal manure. It can be used to produce heat, electricity, or can be processed to upgrade it into natural gas quality for use in transportation.
2. Biomethane: Biomethane is a type of renewable gas that is produced through the purification and upgrading of biogas. It has similar properties to natural gas and can be injected into existing natural gas pipelines for use in heating, cooking, and transportation.
3. Renewable Hydrogen: Hydrogen can be produced through electrolysis using electricity generated from renewable sources such as solar or wind power. This clean hydrogen can then be used as a fuel source in vehicles or buildings.
4. Landfill Gas: Landfill gas is methane-rich gas that is produced from the decomposition of organic materials in landfills. It can be collected, cleaned, and upgraded into pipeline-quality biomethane.
5. Synthetic Natural Gas (SNG): SNG is a renewable gas that is produced by the conversion of biomass or solid waste into a synthetic fuel with similar properties to natural gas.
2. How are these renewable gases produced?
Biogas and biomethane are produced through anaerobic digestion – a natural process where microorganisms break down organic matter in the absence of oxygen to produce methane-rich biogas. This biogas is then purified and upgraded through processes like compression and carbon dioxide removal to produce biomethane.
Renewable hydrogen is produced through electrolysis – an electrochemical process where water molecules are split into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity generated from renewable sources.
Landfill gas is created when organic material breaks down anaerobically in landfill sites. The gas is collected through pipes installed throughout the landfill and then cleaned and upgraded into biomethane.
Synthetic natural gas is produced through a process called gasification, where biomass or solid waste is heated in a low-oxygen environment to produce synthetic gas, which is then upgraded into SNG.
2. How does New Hampshire compare to other states in terms of utilizing renewable gas?
As of 2021, New Hampshire ranks among the top states in terms of utilizing renewable gas. According to a report by the American Biogas Council, New Hampshire has 14 operational anaerobic digesters producing approximately 2.6 million cubic feet of renewable natural gas (RNG) per day. This places New Hampshire in the top 10 states for RNG production.
In addition, New Hampshire is also investing in other forms of renewable gas, such as biodiesel and ethanol. The state has several small-scale biodiesel production facilities and has set a goal to have 25% of state vehicle fleets using alternative fuels by 2025.
Overall, while New Hampshire may not be leading the country in renewable gas utilization, it is making significant progress and investing in various forms of renewable energy to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.
3. What policies or initiatives has New Hampshire implemented to promote renewable gas adoption?
There are several policies and initiatives that New Hampshire has implemented to promote renewable gas adoption. These include:
1. Renewable Portfolio Standard: In 2007, New Hampshire enacted a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) which requires utilities to obtain a certain percentage of their energy from renewable sources, including gas produced from biomass and other organic waste materials.
2. Net Metering: Under New Hampshire’s net metering program, homeowners and businesses can install renewable energy systems, such as biogas digesters, and sell excess energy back to the grid at retail rates.
3. Grants and Incentives: The state offers grants and incentives for the development of renewable gas projects through programs such as the Renewable Energy Fund and the Community Development Block Grant program.
4. Renewable Thermal Program: In partnership with the state’s electric utilities, New Hampshire launched a program in 2018 to promote the use of renewable thermal technologies, including biogas digesters for heat production.
5. Alternative Fuels & Vehicles: The state offers incentives for alternative fuel vehicles and infrastructure through its Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFV) Franchise Tax Credit Program.
6. Renewable Gas Cap Standards: New Hampshire has adopted minimum standards for renewable gas in natural gas pipelines as part of its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
7. Education and Awareness Campaigns: The state has launched education and awareness campaigns to inform residents and businesses about the benefits of renewable gas and how it can contribute to a cleaner environment.
8. Cooperative Purchasing Programs: The state has established cooperative purchasing programs that allow public entities, such as school districts and local governments, to purchase biogas equipment at discounted prices.
9. Green Building Initiatives: New Hampshire encourages green building practices through programs like Energy Star Homes Certification that promote energy efficiency measures including biogas use.
10. Interagency Collaboration: To further support renewable gas adoption, New Hampshire’s Department of Environmental Services collaborates with other state agencies, industry partners, and stakeholders to develop strategies and policies to promote the use of renewable energy in the state.
4. Can consumers in New Hampshire choose to receive renewable gas instead of traditional natural gas?
Yes, consumers in New Hampshire can choose to receive renewable gas instead of traditional natural gas. Consumers can either purchase renewable gas directly from a supplier or through a program offered by their local utility company. The state’s main utility, Liberty Utilities, offers a Green Energy program that allows customers to support the development of renewable natural gas projects. Additionally, there are several retail suppliers in the state that offer 100% renewable gas options for customers.
5. What is the potential for renewable hydrogen production in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire has the potential for renewable hydrogen production through a variety of sources, including:
1. Wind energy: New Hampshire has a moderate potential for wind energy production, with an average wind speed of 12-15 mph. Wind turbines can be used to power electrolyzers that produce hydrogen through water electrolysis.
2. Solar energy: New Hampshire gets an average of 200 days of sunshine per year, making it suitable for solar power production. Solar panels can be used to generate electricity for hydrogen production using photovoltaic cells.
3. Hydroelectric power: New Hampshire has several hydroelectric dams and facilities, which can provide electricity for hydrogen production using electrolysis.
4. Biomass: The state has significant forest resources that can be used to produce biomass energy through processes like gasification or thermal conversion. The resulting heat and electricity can then be used to produce renewable hydrogen.
5. Geothermal energy: Though not as prevalent in this region compared to others, geothermal energy could also be utilized for heating water needed in the electrolysis process.
6. Hydropower from tides or waves: Areas along the coast may have potential for producing renewable hydrogen through technologies such as tidal or wave power.
Overall, while New Hampshire may not have the same level of renewable resource potential as other states, there are still opportunities to utilize various sources and technologies for sustainable hydrogen production in the state. Furthermore, with advancements in technology and policy support, the potential for renewable hydrogen production is likely to increase in the future.
6. Has there been any investment in biogas production facilities in New Hampshire?
Yes, there have been investments in biogas production facilities in New Hampshire. Some examples include:
1. University of New Hampshire Organic Dairy Farm: This farm has a biogas digester that processes manure and food waste to produce electricity and heat for the farm and the campus.
2. LeanKeen Sustainable Solutions: This company operates a food waste anaerobic digestion facility in Concord, NH, which converts food waste into renewable energy and organic fertilizer.
3. Tilton Biodigester: This biodigester is located at the wastewater treatment plant in Tilton, NH, and processes sewage sludge to produce methane gas for electricity generation.
4. Exeter Clean Energy Plant: This plant uses anaerobic digestion to convert organic waste from the town’s residents and businesses into renewable energy.
5. Granite State Anaerobic Digestion: This company plans to build an anaerobic digestion facility in Nashua, NH, which will process food waste and other organics to produce clean energy.
6. Ener-G Rudox: This company operates an anaerobic digestion facility in Portsmouth, NH, that converts brewery waste into biogas for electricity generation.
7. Stonyfield Farms: This dairy manufacturer has a biogas digester on its Londonderry farm that produces enough electricity to power the entire facility.
These are just some examples of biogas production investments in New Hampshire; there are likely others as well.
7. Are there any tax incentives or rebates available for using renewable gas in New Hampshire?
At this time, there do not appear to be any specific tax incentives or rebates available for using renewable gas in New Hampshire. However, using renewable energy sources may qualify for federal tax credits, as well as potential savings on state taxes through the Renewable Energy Property Tax Exemption Program. It is recommended to consult with a tax professional or the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration for more information on potential incentives and rebates specific to your location and situation.
8. How is the development of landfill gas projects being encouraged in New Hampshire?
9. What regulations are in place for hazardous or toxic waste disposal in New Hampshire?10. How does New Hampshire manage electronic waste and promote recycling of electronic devices?
9. What steps is New Hampshire taking to reduce carbon emissions through the use of renewable gases?
1. Transition to Renewable Electricity: In 2019, New Hampshire passed the landmark Clean Energy bill, which sets a goal for the state to obtain 80% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2050. This legislation encourages the development of renewable electricity sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower.
2. Support for Renewable Gas Infrastructure: The state is investing in infrastructure projects that support the production and distribution of renewable gases, such as biogas and biomethane. For example, in 2018, the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission approved a project to build a pipeline network that will transport biomethane produced from dairy farms to energy users.
3. Promotion of Renewable Gas Technologies: New Hampshire has programs and initiatives in place to encourage the use of renewable gas technologies, such as anaerobic digesters that convert organic waste into biogas. These programs provide financial incentives and technical support to businesses and municipalities interested in implementing renewable gas technologies.
4. Renewable Gas Education and Outreach: The state provides education and outreach programs to raise public awareness about the benefits of renewable gases and how individuals can contribute to reducing carbon emissions through their use. These efforts help create demand for renewable gases and drive innovation in this sector.
5. Carbon Pricing Initiative: In September 2021, New Hampshire joined other Northeastern states in announcing plans to develop a regional low-carbon transportation policy that includes pricing carbon pollution from transportation fuels. This initiative would incentivize consumers to switch to cleaner fuels like renewable gases.
6. Clean Energy Fund: The state established a Clean Energy Fund in 2020 to promote clean energy usage across different sectors of the economy, including transportation fuel alternatives like renewable gases.
7. Net Metering Program Expansion: New Hampshire’s net metering program allows customers with small-scale renewable energy systems (including biogas) to receive credit for any excess electricity they generate on their utility bills.
8. Renewable Portfolio Standards: The state has renewable portfolio standards that require a certain percentage of electricity sold by utilities to be generated from renewable sources, including biogas.
9. Energy Efficiency Programs: New Hampshire runs various energy efficiency programs for residential, commercial, and industrial customers. By reducing energy consumption, these programs indirectly support the transition to renewable gases and help reduce carbon emissions.
10. Are biomass resources being utilized for renewable gas production in New Hampshire?
Yes, there are several facilities in New Hampshire that utilize biomass resources for renewable gas production. This includes anaerobic digesters on farms that convert animal manure and other organic materials into biogas, as well as landfill gas-to-energy projects that capture methane from decomposing waste to generate electricity or produce renewable natural gas. Additionally, some municipalities and businesses have implemented wood pellet heating systems, which use locally-sourced wood pellets as a renewable alternative to heating oil or natural gas.
11. What plans does New Hampshire have for expanding its use of renewable gases in transportation?
In January 2020, the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) released its Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) for electric and gas utilities, which includes plans to promote the development and use of renewable gases in transportation. Specifically, the IRP outlines strategies for increasing the use of renewable natural gas (RNG) in the state’s natural gas distribution system. This includes supporting policies and programs that incentivize renewable gas production and infrastructure development, promoting RNG as a transportation fuel, and collaborating with stakeholders to identify opportunities to expand RNG use in transit, commercial trucking, and other transportation sectors.
In addition to these efforts, NHDES is also working on a Low-Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) program that aims to increase the use of low-carbon fuels – including renewable gases – in transportation. Through this program, fuel suppliers would be required to gradually decrease the carbon intensity of their fuels over time. The agency is currently conducting feasibility studies and stakeholder outreach efforts to inform the design of this program.
The state has also implemented a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), which requires that a certain percentage of electricity sold by utilities comes from renewable sources. In 2019, Governor Sununu signed legislation expanding the RPS to include thermal energy sources such as biofuels and biogas, which can be used in transportation.
Furthermore, New Hampshire’s State Energy Strategy sets a goal for 25% of all energy used in the state – including transportation – to come from renewable sources by 2025. This will require continued efforts to promote and incentivize renewable gases usage in transportation.
Lastly, NHDES offers funding opportunities and technical assistance through its Clean Air Technologies Center to support projects that reduce air pollution from mobile sources such as vehicles running on alternative fuels like compressed natural gas or propane autogas.
Overall, New Hampshire is committed to expanding its use of renewable gases in transportation through various policies, programs, and partnerships.
12. Have there been any successful examples of community-scale renewable gas projects in New Hampshire?
Yes, there have been a few successful examples of community-scale renewable gas projects in New Hampshire.
1) The Scrub Oak Scum Recovery System in Stoddard was one of the first biomass-to-gas projects in the state. It collects manure from local farms and processes it into biogas, which is then used to generate electricity and heat for nearby homes and businesses.
2) The Lebanon Waste Water Treatment Plant has a biogas recovery system that processes methane gas from municipal sewage and converts it into renewable natural gas. This project has reduced the city’s greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 60%.
3) The Littleton Biomass Gasification Facility is another example of a community-scale renewable gas project in New Hampshire. It uses locally-sourced wood chips to produce syngas, which can be used for electricity generation or refined into renewable natural gas.
4) The Manchester Landfill Gas-to-Energy Project captures methane gas emitted from decomposing waste at the city’s landfill and converts it into electricity, heating thousands of homes in the process.
Overall, these projects have shown success in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, providing renewable energy sources, and promoting sustainability at a community level in New Hampshire.
13. Is it possible for households and businesses to generate their own renewable gas in New Hampshire?
Yes, it is possible for households and businesses to generate their own renewable gas in New Hampshire through processes such as anaerobic digestion, which converts organic waste into biogas. This biogas can then be upgraded to biomethane, a type of renewable gas that can be used for heating, cooking, and transportation. Some farms and wastewater treatment plants in New Hampshire already use anaerobic digestion to generate renewable gas on-site. Additionally, individuals can also install small-scale biodigesters on their property to produce renewable gas from food waste or animal manure.
14. Is there an established market for buying and selling renewable gas credits in New Hampshire?
Yes, there is an established market for buying and selling renewable gas credits in New Hampshire. The Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) program, administered by the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission, requires electricity suppliers to purchase a certain percentage of their electricity from renewable resources, including renewable gas. This creates a market for renewable gas credits, which can be bought and sold between electricity suppliers and producers of renewable gas. Additionally, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a multi-state cap-and-trade program aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, also includes regulations regarding the use of renewable energy credits in the trading system. This further supports the market for buying and selling renewable gas credits in New Hampshire.
15. How does the cost of using traditional natural gas compare to using 100% renewable gas options in New Hampshire?
The cost of traditional natural gas depends on market prices and can vary widely. In New Hampshire, the average price for natural gas in 2020 was $14.64 per thousand cubic feet (Mcf), according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
On the other hand, 100% renewable gas options such as biogas or hydrogen are currently more expensive than traditional natural gas. The production and infrastructure costs for renewable gas are still high, which translates into higher costs for consumers.
However, there are also potential cost-saving benefits that come with using renewable gas. For example, biogas can be produced locally from waste streams, reducing transportation costs. It also has a lower carbon footprint and may be eligible for tax incentives or rebates.
Overall, the cost of using 100% renewable gas in New Hampshire would likely be higher than traditional natural gas at present. However, as technology advances and economies of scale are achieved, the cost of renewable gas may become more competitive in the future.
16. Are there any efforts being made by utilities to transition towards more renewable gases in their supply mix?
Yes, many utilities are making efforts to transition towards more renewable gases in their supply mix. This can include:
1. Investing in renewable gas production: Many utilities are investing in infrastructure and technology for producing renewable gases such as biomethane, hydrogen, and synthetic natural gas. This can involve collaborations with farmers, waste management companies, and clean energy companies.
2. Offering renewable gas options to customers: Some utilities are offering customers the option to purchase renewable gas or choose a renewable gas-based electricity plan. This allows consumers to support the production of cleaner energy sources.
3. Partnering with other companies: Utilities may partner with other companies that specialize in the production of renewable gases to incorporate them into their supply mix. For example, a utility may enter into a power purchase agreement (PPA) with a company that produces biomethane from organic waste.
4. Investing in research and development: Utilities may also invest in research and development projects focused on developing new technologies for producing and using renewable gases.
5. Supporting policy initiatives: Some utilities support policy initiatives that promote the use of renewable gases, such as tax incentives or mandates for incorporating a certain percentage of renewables into the energy mix.
6. Establishing sustainability goals: Many utilities have set goals to increase the proportion of renewable gases in their energy mix over time. These goals provide a framework for guiding their transition towards cleaner energy sources.
Overall, there is growing recognition among utilities that transitioning towards more renewable gases is necessary for reducing carbon emissions and achieving long-term sustainability goals.
17. Does the state government have a targeted goal or timeline for increasing the use of renewable gases statewide?
The state government of California has set a goal to achieve 100% clean energy by 2045 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% below 1990 levels by 2030. As part of this, California aims to increase renewable gas usage in the state, with a target of at least 10% by 2030 and at least 15% by 2050. The state has also implemented policies such as the Low Carbon Fuel Standard and the Renewable Fuels Standard to support and incentivize the production and use of renewable gases. Additionally, there are various local initiatives and programs in place to promote renewable gases, but there is no specific timeline for increasing their usage statewide.
18. Are there concerns about potential methane emissions from increased use of biogas or landfill gas projects in New Hampshire?
Yes, there are concerns about potential methane emissions from increased use of biogas or landfill gas projects in New Hampshire. Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas that contributes significantly to climate change if released into the atmosphere. While using biogas or landfill gas for energy can help reduce overall methane emissions, there is always a risk of leaks or accidental releases from these facilities. It is important for these projects to have proper monitoring and maintenance procedures in place to prevent any potential emissions. Additionally, careful siting and design of biogas or landfill gas projects can help minimize their environmental impact and potential methane emissions.
19 .What role do renewables play, compared to other sources, when it comes to grid reliability and price stability?
Renewable energy plays a crucial role in ensuring grid reliability and price stability compared to other sources of energy. This is because renewables, such as solar and wind power, are able to provide electricity at a predictable and consistent rate, unlike traditional sources of energy like coal or natural gas.
One reason for this is that renewable sources of energy are not subject to price fluctuations due to market forces, as they do not rely on finite resources that must be purchased. This helps to stabilize electricity prices and reduce the risk of blackouts or brownouts caused by sudden jumps in fuel costs.
Additionally, because renewable energy technologies have no fuel costs, they can offer long-term fixed-price contracts for electricity, providing price certainty for consumers and businesses. This helps to insulate them from the volatility of fossil fuel markets.
Renewable energy also improves grid reliability through its distributed nature. With traditional power plants, any disruption at a single large plant can cause significant issues for the entire grid. However, with renewable sources scattered across multiple locations, any disruptions or failures will have a smaller impact on overall electricity supply.
Moreover, renewable energy can also work together with other forms of generation to enhance overall grid stability. For example, solar panels tend to produce more electricity during the day when demand is high, while wind turbines may produce more at night when demand is lower. Together, they can complement each other’s strengths and ensure a more stable supply of electricity throughout the day.
Overall, renewables play a critical role in maintaining grid reliability and stabilizing prices compared to other sources of energy. As we transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy system, it is important to continue investing in and expanding renewable energy infrastructure.
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