How can standards and codes support the renewable gas sector? Content Contibution by CSA
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Clean and low carbon fuels can play an important role in meeting Canada’s commitments to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 30% below 2005 levels and achieve a net-zero economy by 2050. Renewable gas, produced from a range of agricultural products and by-products and other sources that can be replenished, presents a potential option to displace conventional natural gas. Most renewable natural gas has a lower carbon intensity than fossil natural gas and, in many cases, has net-negative carbon intensity¹.
The renewable gas production potential in the world is significant. CSA Group’s research published earlier this year explores how standards and codes can support safe, reliable, and efficient renewable gas production and use in Canada.
What are renewable gases?
Renewable gas is a broad term for biogas, bio-synthetic gas, renewable natural gas, and hydrogen produced from renewable sources. Biogas is produced by a biological process of anaerobic digestion (without the presence of oxygen) of plant- or animal-based organic material, such as crops, wood residues, aquatic plants, algae, livestock manure, or residues from landfills and wastewaters. Bio-synthetic gases are produced from biomass by its gasification. Renewable natural gas refers to cleaned and refined biogas that can be injected into the natural gas network.
Helping address the needs of the renewable gas sector
CSA Group’s research report Codes and Standards for Renewable Gas Pathways reviews the current renewable gas landscape, identifying several opportunities for standards and codes that can address:
- defining acceptable renewable gas feedstock, nature and types of contaminants, and testing methods,
- new design features for construction materials in renewable gas production,
- design and construction of linear power/generation systems, storage, reactor design, system performance and efficiency for electrolytic hydrogen,
- harmonized specifications and guidelines for renewable natural gas product quality,
- identifying the long-term impact of contaminants in renewable gas and elevated levels of hydrogen on production equipment, transmission systems, instrumentation, pipelines, and end-use equipment,
- requirements that help achieve safe and effective operation of renewable gas technologies under real-world applications, including factors such as gas build-up, flammable cloud formation, and ignition.
Outlining the renewable gas pathways
The research also highlighted a need for an overall guide that could help designers identify applicable codes and standards for each renewable gas pathway. The process descriptions and simplified block diagrams illustrating renewable gas production from different sources can support developing such regulations.
Download the research report to learn more about the current status and future directions for renewable gas standards and codes.
CSA Group always strives to provide up-to-date and accurate information. However, no representation or warranty, expressed or implied, is made that this information meets your specific needs, and any reliance on this information is at your own risk. Please contact CSA Group for more information about our services.
©2022 Canadian Standards Association. All Rights Reserved.
Footnote:
¹ 7 things to know about renewable natural gas, GreenBiz, 2021
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