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

The top renewable gas options currently available in Oklahoma include:

1. Biogas: Biogas is a type of renewable natural gas produced from the decomposition of organic matter, such as animal manure, food waste, and agricultural byproducts. It can be used as a direct substitute for traditional natural gas in heating and cooking applications or can be converted into electricity.

2. Ethanol: Ethanol is produced from crops such as corn, sorghum, and wheat through a process of fermentation and distillation. It is blended with gasoline to produce a fuel called E10 (10% ethanol) or E85 (85% ethanol), which can power vehicles.

3. Biodiesel: Biodiesel is made from vegetable oils or animal fats through a chemical process called transesterification. It can be used in diesel engines without any modifications and has lower emissions compared to traditional diesel fuel.

4. Wind energy: Oklahoma has one of the highest wind energy potentials in the country, making wind power a major source of renewable energy in the state. Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy of wind into electricity, providing clean and renewable power.

5. Solar energy: The abundant sunshine in Oklahoma makes it well-suited for solar energy production. Solar panels capture sunlight and convert it into electricity that can be used to power homes, businesses, and other buildings.

6. Geothermal energy: Geothermal energy uses heat from the earth’s core to generate electricity or provide heating and cooling for buildings. Oklahoma has several geothermal power plants that tap into underground hot water reserves.

7. Hydroelectric power: Although not as prevalent as other forms of renewable energy in Oklahoma, some large rivers in the state have hydropower facilities that generate clean electricity by harnessing the movement of water through turbines.

8. Biomass energy: Biomass refers to any organic material that can be burned to produce heat or electricity. In Oklahoma, biomass is primarily used for electricity generation, with some plants using agricultural residues, forestry waste, or dedicated energy crops as fuel.

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

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), Oklahoma ranks 13th in the nation for total renewable gas production as of 2019. However, when looking at the percentage of total natural gas production that is renewable, Oklahoma ranks much lower at 24th.

Some states, such as California and Texas, have higher levels of renewable gas utilization due to their larger populations and stronger policies promoting renewable energy. Other states, like Vermont and Wyoming, have smaller populations but higher percentages of renewable gas production due to favorable natural resources and policy initiatives.

Overall, while Oklahoma does contribute a significant amount of renewable gas to the national total, there are other states that are leading in terms of renewable gas utilization.

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

There are several policies and initiatives that Oklahoma has implemented to promote renewable gas adoption, including:

1. Incentive Programs: The state offers various incentive programs to promote the development and use of renewable gas. For example, the Oklahoma Gas Conversion Rebate provides rebates for converting commercial vehicles to run on natural gas or a blend of natural gas and another fuel.

2. Renewable Fuel Standard: Oklahoma has a renewable fuel standard that requires public utilities and retail electric suppliers to obtain at least 15% of their electricity from renewable sources by 2025.

3. State Tax Credits: Oklahoma has several tax credits available for businesses investing in alternative energy projects, including renewable gas projects. These tax credits help lower the cost of investment in renewable gas infrastructure.

4. Agricultural Biomass Initiative: The state launched an Agricultural Biomass Initiative to support the development of biomass processing facilities and increase the availability of biomass feedstock for the production of renewable gas and energy.

5. Net Metering Program: Oklahoma also has a net metering program, which allows customers who generate their own electricity from renewables to receive credits for any excess electricity they produce.

6. Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Incentives: The state offers incentives for vehicles powered by alternative fuels, including compressed natural gas (CNG), propane, and hydrogen.

7. Production Tax Credit for Wind Energy: To encourage wind energy production, Oklahoma offers a production tax credit equal to 0.5 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) generated.

8. Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS): Although not currently in effect, Oklahoma previously had a voluntary RPS that encouraged utilities to generate a portion of their electricity from wind power or other proven renewables.

9. Alternative Fuels Corridor Designation Program: Through this program, the state certifies alternative fuel corridors where vehicle fueling stations offer alternative fuels like CNG or liquefied natural gas (LNG) along interstate highways and other major transportation corridors.

10. Renewable Energy Production Tax Credit: This tax credit provides incentives to businesses that generate electricity from renewable sources, including biogas from landfills or waste digesters.

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

Yes, some consumers in Oklahoma may have the option to receive renewable gas instead of traditional natural gas. This typically depends on the availability of renewable gas supply and the specific policies and programs implemented by their local utility or energy provider. Consumers interested in choosing renewable gas as their energy source should contact their utility company for more information on available options.

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

Oklahoma has a high potential for renewable hydrogen production due to its abundant wind and solar resources. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, Oklahoma is consistently ranked in the top 10 states for both wind and solar energy potential.

The state also has existing infrastructure and expertise in the production, transportation, and storage of natural gas, which could potentially be repurposed for hydrogen production. This could help reduce costs and accelerate the deployment of hydrogen as a renewable energy source.

In addition, Oklahoma has a strong agricultural industry, which produces large amounts of biomass that can be used for sustainable biomethane production, a key component in renewable hydrogen production.

Furthermore, Oklahoma is home to several institutions and companies conducting research and development on renewable hydrogen technologies, which highlights the state’s strong potential for growth in this sector.

Overall, with its favorable climate conditions, existing infrastructure, and technological advancements, Oklahoma has significant potential for renewable hydrogen production.

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

According to the Bioenergy Atlas by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, there are currently six biogas production facilities in operation in Oklahoma.

The largest of these is the Tulsa Wastewater Treatment Plant, which has a biogas production capacity of 1,500 cubic feet per minute and produces about 2 million gallons of renewable natural gas per year.

Other smaller biogas production facilities include the Mustang Wastewater Treatment Plant, Covanta Tulsa Renewable Energy LLC, and the Saint Francis Hospital Biomass Anaerobic Digester.

In recent years, there have also been efforts to develop additional biogas production facilities in the state. In 2017, a proposed $12 million dairy manure-to-energy project was planned for construction near Hydro, Oklahoma. However, it is uncertain if this project has been completed.

Additionally, many farms in Oklahoma are using small-scale anaerobic digesters to convert animal waste into biogas for on-site use or sale to local utilities. The Oklahoma State University Extension Service has also been promoting the use of biogas as an alternative energy source for rural communities through the development of community-based biogas systems.

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

Yes, there are a few tax incentives and rebates available for using renewable gas in Oklahoma. These include:

1. Federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Program: This program requires oil refineries to use a certain amount of renewable fuels, including renewable natural gas (RNG), in their transportation fuel mix each year. As a result, RNG producers can generate valuable Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) and sell them to obligated parties, such as oil companies, for compliance credits.

2. Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC): For renewable gas production facilities placed in service by December 31, 2023, the federal ITC offers a tax credit equal to 30% of the eligible cost basis of the equipment used in the production process.

3. State Incentive Programs: Several state incentive programs, such as Oklahoma’s Value-Added Producer Grant Program and Property Tax Exemption for Industrial Projects Using Renewables, provide financial assistance to businesses utilizing renewable energy sources like RNG.

4. Green Energy Loan Program: The Oklahoma Department of Commerce offers low-interest loans through its Green Energy Loan Program to support projects that produce electricity or thermal energy from alternative fuels.

5. Sales Tax Exemption for Certain Materials and Equipment: Sales of machinery and equipment used primarily to produce compressed or liquefied natural gas (CNG/LNG) are exempt from state sales tax in Oklahoma.

It is important to note that eligibility requirements and program details may vary, so it is recommended to consult with a tax professional or the respective agency administering the program before making any investment decisions.

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

The development of landfill gas projects in Oklahoma is being encouraged through various initiatives and programs, including:

1. Landfill Gas Energy Incentive Program: This program provides incentives to landfill owners and operators for the installation of landfill gas collection and utilization systems. The incentives are based on the amount of electricity generated from the collected gas.

2. Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS): Oklahoma has a voluntary RPS that requires utilities to generate a certain percentage of their energy from renewable sources, including landfill gas.

3. Tax Incentives: The state offers tax credits for renewable energy production, which can be applied to landfill gas projects.

4. Grants: The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) offers grants to assist local governments and private entities in developing landfill gas projects.

5. Collaboration with Utilities: The DEQ works with utilities to develop power purchase agreements for electricity generated from landfill gas projects.

6. Technical Assistance: The DEQ provides technical assistance and resources for the implementation of landfill gas projects, including feasibility studies and project design guidance.

7. Interconnection Standards: The state has established interconnection standards for distributed generation, making it easier for landfills to connect their electricity-producing systems to the grid.

8. Landfill Gas Working Group: Oklahoma has a Landfill Gas Working Group that brings together stakeholders from government agencies, utilities, private sector companies, and environmental organizations to promote the development of landfill gas projects in the state.

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

Oklahoma has taken several steps to reduce carbon emissions through the use of renewable gases, including:

1. Promotion of Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) Development: The Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) has implemented a program to encourage RNG development in the state by providing incentives and streamlining regulatory processes.

2. Statewide Green Energy Goals: In 2019, Governor Kevin Stitt signed an executive order establishing a statewide goal to increase the use of renewable energy sources, including renewable gases, to at least 50% by 2030.

3. Renewable Energy Tax Credits: Oklahoma offers a variety of tax incentives for businesses and individuals who invest in renewable energy projects, including tax credits for the production or purchase of RNG.

4. Energy Efficiency Programs: The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) offers energy efficiency programs and services to help residential, commercial, and industrial customers reduce their carbon footprint and save money on energy bills.

5. Partnerships with Utility Companies: The OCC works closely with utility companies in Oklahoma to develop policies and plans that promote the use of renewable energies, including renewable gases. In 2018, the OCC approved a plan by Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) to add nearly 700 megawatts of wind energy capacity, reducing carbon emissions from electricity generation by approximately 800 million pounds per year.

6. Research and Development: The University of Tulsa hosts the Zarrow Center for Artifical Photosynthesis which conducts research on converting natural gas into liquid fuels using solar power, potentially reducing carbon emissions from oil extraction and production.

7. Bioenergy Production Tax Credit: Incentives are also provided for bioenergy production in Oklahoma through a biofuels mixture tax credit available specifically for biodiesel produced from soybean oil or animal fat recovered during wastewater treatment processes.

Overall, these efforts demonstrate Oklahoma’s commitment to utilizing renewable gases as part of its larger strategy to reduce carbon emissions and promote clean energy development in the state.

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

Yes, biomass resources are being utilized for renewable gas production in Oklahoma. The primary source of renewable gas production in the state is currently from landfill gas capture. Waste-to-energy facilities and anaerobic digesters at farms and wastewater treatment plants also contribute to the production of renewable gas. In addition, there has been some interest and investment in utilizing agricultural residues, such as crop waste and animal manure, for renewable gas production in the state.

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

Oklahoma has several initiatives and plans in place to expand its use of renewable gases in transportation.

1) Renewable Fuel Standard: Oklahoma has adopted a standard for renewable fuels, which requires fuel providers to blend a certain percentage of biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, into the transportation fuel supply. This helps incentivize the production and use of renewable fuels in the state.

2) Alternative Fuel Tax Credit: The state offers tax credits for vehicle owners who use alternative fuels like natural gas and propane. This helps make these fuels more competitive with traditional gasoline and diesel.

3) State Fleet Conversion: Oklahoma is working to convert its state fleet vehicles to alternative fuels like compressed natural gas (CNG), propane, and electric power. In 2019, Governor Kevin Stitt signed an executive order requiring all new vehicles procured by the state to be alternative fuel-capable by 2025.

4) Alternative Fuel Corridor Program: As part of the Federal Highway Administration’s Alternative Fuel Corridor Program, Oklahoma has designated several highways as “alternative fuel corridors” with CNG, propane, and electric charging stations available at regular intervals.

5) Research and Development: Oklahoma is home to several research institutions and private companies working on developing renewable gases for transportation. For example, the Natural Gas Technology Center at Oklahoma State University is researching ways to turn biomass into renewable natural gas.

6) Public-Private Partnerships: The state is also partnering with private companies to expand the infrastructure for renewable gases. OG&E Electric Services has partnered with Enable Midstream Partners to construct a new CNG fueling station in Oklahoma City, which will help promote the use of CNG as a transportation fuel in the area.

Overall, these initiatives show that Oklahoma recognizes the potential benefits of using renewable gases in transportation – including reduced emissions, decreased dependence on imported fossil fuels, and job creation – and is taking steps to encourage their adoption.

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

Yes, there have been several successful community-scale renewable gas projects in Oklahoma. Some examples include:

1) The Town of Minco partnered with Oklahoma Natural Gas and the nonprofit organization A Growing Culture to develop a bioenergy system that converts food and agricultural waste into renewable natural gas for use in powering the town’s water treatment plant, saving the city an estimated $25,000 per year in energy costs.

2) ONEOK, a natural gas processing company, collaborated with the City of Moore to construct a biogas facility that captures methane gas from the city’s wastewater treatment plant and converts it into renewable natural gas for use in heating buildings and fueling vehicles.

3) In Rock Creek School District, a geothermal-based trigeneration system was installed that combines solar power with a ground-source heat pump to generate electricity, heat and cool buildings, and produce hot water. This project has reduced energy costs by 80% for the school district.

4) In Norman, OG&E Energy Corp built Oklahoma’s largest combined heat and power (CHP) plant at the University of Oklahoma’s south campus. The facility generates electricity through natural gas turbines and uses waste heat to provide heating and cooling for campus buildings.

5) The City of Sand Springs partnered with Quantum Biopower LLC to build a biogas facility that produces clean-burning fuel from organic waste materials. This project has created jobs and diverted waste from landfills while producing renewable natural gas for local businesses and residences.

Overall, these projects demonstrate how community-scale renewable gas can not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also bring economic benefits to communities by reducing energy costs and creating new job opportunities.

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

Yes, it is possible for households and businesses in Oklahoma to generate their own renewable gas through technologies such as biomass digestion, anaerobic digestion, and gasification. These processes convert organic materials like food waste, animal manure, and crop residues into biogas that can be used for cooking or heating. Small-scale biodigesters and community-based biogas systems have been successfully implemented in Oklahoma. In addition, some businesses may also invest in solar or wind energy systems to power their operations and use the excess electricity generated to produce hydrogen gas through water electrolysis. Hydrogen gas can then be used as a clean fuel source for transportation or combined with carbon dioxide to produce renewable natural gas.

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

There appears to be a small market for buying and selling renewable gas credits in Oklahoma. The state currently has one voluntary program, the Oklahoma Gas Purchase Program, which enables certain natural gas customers to purchase Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) credits to offset their natural gas consumption. This program is administered by the Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority and is primarily used by municipalities and industrial customers.

In addition, Oklahoma is part of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a regional cap-and-trade system focused on reducing carbon emissions from power plants. While RGGI does not currently include a specific market for renewable gas credits, it does allow trading of credits between different states participating in the program.

Overall, the market for renewable gas credits in Oklahoma is still developing and there are limited options for buying and selling these credits at this time.

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

The cost of using traditional natural gas in Oklahoma varies depending on factors such as location, supply and demand, and market conditions. On average, the residential price for natural gas in Oklahoma has been around $13 per thousand cubic feet (Mcf) in recent years.

In comparison, the cost of using 100% renewable gas options can vary depending on the source and production methods. Some renewable gases may be more expensive than traditional natural gas, while others may be more competitive or even cheaper.

For example, biogas – which is produced from organic waste materials – can sometimes be cheaper than traditional natural gas. This is because it can be produced locally from waste materials that would otherwise need to be disposed of, avoiding transportation and disposal costs.

On the other hand, some renewable gases like hydrogen currently have a higher production cost than traditional natural gas. However, with advancements in technology and increased production scale, it is expected that the cost of producing these renewable gases will decrease in the future.

Overall, the cost of using 100% renewable gas options in Oklahoma may currently be comparable to or slightly more expensive than traditional natural gas. However, as technology advances and economies of scale are achieved, renewable gases are expected to become increasingly competitive and potentially even cheaper than traditional fossil fuels. Additionally, investing in renewable energy can provide long-term benefits such as reduced carbon emissions and improved environmental sustainability.

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

Yes, there are efforts being made by utilities to transition towards more renewable gases in their supply mix. Many utilities are increasingly incorporating renewable and low-carbon gases, such as biomethane (produced from organic waste), green hydrogen (produced using renewable electricity), and synthetic methane (produced using captured carbon emissions and renewable electricity) into their gas supply mix.

Some utilities also have specific targets for the use of renewable gases in their supply mix. For example, the UK’s largest gas distributor, Cadent, has committed to delivering a 10% blend of hydrogen in its gas supply by 2025. In addition, some utilities are investing in research and development to advance technologies for producing and storing renewable gases.

Furthermore, regulatory policies and financial incentives are being put in place to encourage the transition towards renewable gases. For instance, California’s Renewable Gas Standard requires that 5% of the natural gas supplied by utility companies must come from renewable sources by 2030.

Overall, there is a growing recognition among utilities that transitioning towards more renewable gases is necessary to reduce carbon emissions and meet sustainability goals. This has resulted in increased investments and partnerships aimed at developing infrastructure for delivering these gases to consumers.

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

There is currently no publicly stated targeted goal or timeline for increasing the use of renewable gases statewide in the state government of Pennsylvania. However, there are various initiatives and programs in place to promote the production and use of renewable gases, such as the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act which requires electricity suppliers to source a certain percentage of their energy from renewable sources including methane gas. Additionally, the state has set a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 26% by 2025 and 80% by 2050, which may indirectly encourage increased use of renewable gases.

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

Yes, there are concerns about potential methane emissions from increased use of biogas or landfill gas projects in Oklahoma. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas and can contribute to climate change if released into the atmosphere. If not properly managed, biogas and landfill gas projects can also release other pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter, which can negatively impact air quality. These concerns highlight the importance of strict regulations and proper monitoring and maintenance of these projects to minimize their environmental impacts.

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

Renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, play an increasingly important role in maintaining grid reliability and price stability.

Compared to traditional fossil fuel sources, renewable sources have a much lower marginal cost of production, meaning that their operating costs do not increase significantly as more energy is produced. This helps to stabilize electricity prices by reducing the overall cost of energy on the grid.

Additionally, renewable energy is often geographically diverse, with wind and solar resources located in different regions. This diversity can help balance out changes in energy production due to weather conditions or other factors, helping to maintain reliability on the grid.

Finally, advancements in technology have made it possible for renewable energy sources to be integrated more effectively into the grid. For example, smart grids and battery storage systems allow for better management and distribution of renewable energy, making it more reliable as a source of electricity.

Overall, renewables play a critical role in ensuring grid reliability and price stability by providing affordable and diverse sources of clean energy. As we continue to transition towards a more sustainable future, the role of renewables will only become more significant.

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

It does not appear that information on the current use of renewable gas in Oklahoma is readily available to the public. The state does not have a specific requirement for reporting or tracking renewable gas usage, and there are no publicly accessible databases or reports that provide detailed information on the amount of renewable gas being used in the state. However, some utilities and companies may voluntarily report their renewable gas usage as part of their sustainability or greenhouse gas emissions reporting.