We are bringing our expertise as an energy infrastructure company to a complex and fast-growing industry where we can make a substantial impact. In the Netherlands, our first RNG facility located in Tilburg, has begun injecting gas into grid and is being ramped up to full operation, another new site planned in the province of  Limburg.  In the United Kingdom we are constructing a facility in Lincolnshire. We have also opened an office in Poland, where we are actively seeking opportunities.

What is RNG and why is it key to the energy transition?

RNG is a renewable energy generated from organic waste and residue. Biomethane can be used as a direct substitute for conventional natural gas (a fossil fuel) and can be injected straight into existing gas pipelines.  

With these qualities, RNG offers multiple benefits. It is climate neutral, contributes to circularity by giving waste materials a new purpose, and makes use of current distribution infrastructure. 

How is RNG produced?

RNG facilities use raw materials, or ‘feedstocks’, that are then broken down by bacteria that convert organic matter into biomethane through fermentation (‘anaerobic digestion’). Common feedstocks include animal manure, crop waste, and waste from the food industry. The process gives a second life to everything from animal manure to potato peels, to coconut shells, to corn cobs.  

Once biogas is produced, it can be upgraded to RNG and used in place of natural gas to heat homes, generate electricity and power transport. This involves removing carbon dioxide, as well as oxygen, nitrogen and contaminants, so that the methane content is at least 90%. As RNG is mainly composed of methane, it is sometimes called ‘biomethane’.  

The undigested residual biomass (‘digestate’) produced by this process can also be converted into organic fertilisers to replace conventional fossil-fuel based fertilisers. Because they are packed with minerals, these organic fertilisers are ideal for regenerative agriculture.

Why now?

The technology to produce RNG has matured rapidly in recent years. The latest generation of bio-energy plants are efficient and modern, and odour pollution has been eliminated, making them a much more attractive prospect for local communities.  

While scientists are exploring different ways to generate RNG in future, we believe in the ‘here and now’. The technology, processes and methods for anaerobic digestion are now advanced to the point where RNG plants are not just commercially viable but represent an attractive commercial opportunity.  

The urgency is also driven by the need to cut global carbon dioxide emissions, with RNG recognised as critical to the energy transition. The EU’s RePower 20230 strategy calls to have 35 bpm of biomethane by 2030. The Netherlands has committed to producing 2 billion m3 of “groen gas” (RNG) by 2030, and many other countries are also looking to RNG as an alternative to natural gas.  

Why VTTI?

The VTTI Strategy 2028 is focused on supporting the energy transition. We are expanding and developing our business, building on a strong foundation in the energy storage industry as we diversify into new areas.

As we enter the RNG industry, we bring with us all our experience of working with oil and gas storage and services. That includes our project development, engineering and execution capabilities. It also includes everything we have learned about safety and security at our terminals, as well as the logistics and stakeholder management needed to keep a complex operation running smoothly.