Southwest Gas Moves Towards Renewable Natural Gas from Waste in California

In a progressive move towards sustainability, Southwest Gas Corporation has recently submitted a significant procurement agreement to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). This initiative aims to supply renewable natural gas (RNG) sourced from food waste and wastewater to its customers in California. By doing so, Southwest Gas is taking an important step in contributing to California's ambitious goals of reducing emissions from short-lived climate pollutants.

The agreement, forged between Southwest Gas, Anew Climate LLC, and Anaergia's subsidiary SoCal Biomethane, LLC, was cultivated through a competitive procurement process aimed at sourcing biomethane. This procurement agreement aims to fulfill the regulatory stipulations dictated by the CPUC’s Senate Bill (SB) 1440, which encourages gas utilities to obtain biomethane in order to combat methane emissions.

Ryan Childress, Managing Director of Low Carbon Fuels at Anew Climate, emphasized the vital role of long-term agreements from natural gas utilities in supporting both local and state climate initiatives. Under the accord, RNG produced at the Anaergia facility located at the Victor Valley Wastewater Reclamation Authority (VVWRA) will undergo cleaning and upgrading to meet pipeline-quality standards. Once refined, this gas will be injected into Southwest Gas' systems for distribution to its customers.

The Victorious Valley Wastewater Reclamation Authority handles wastewater from multiple communities, including Victorville, Apple Valley, and Hesperia. Anaergia’s upgraded anaerobic digestion facility co-processes food waste alongside municipal wastewater solids to generate biogas, providing a sustainable solution for waste management.

Implementing this procurement agreement could ultimately lessen emissions from natural gas delivered to Southwest Gas' customers by approximately 11,841 metric tons of CO2 equivalent per year. This number is akin to removing 2,762 gasoline-powered vehicles from the road for a year—a remarkable impact in the fight against climate change. Additionally, the agreement represents a pioneering opportunity for an operational project to be certified under the SB 1440 Biomethane Procurement Program in California.

Yaniv Scherson, COO of Anaergia, reiterated the commitment to support California in its efforts to achieve ambitious methane reduction targets through innovative collaborations that serve community needs. The facility has the capacity to process up to 65,000 gallons of slurried food waste on a daily basis, contributing to a diversion of around 104,000 tons of organic waste each year. Not only does this project play a role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting California’s environmental objectives, but it also generates economic advantages by creating new local job opportunities.

The VVWRA actively engages the local communities through educational programs, facility tours, and a scholarship initiative focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). These outreach efforts highlight the broader environmental and educational significance of the project, showcasing the collaborative commitments shared by VVWRA and Southwest Gas in fostering sustainable energy practices while benefiting local communities.

Karen S. Haller, President and CEO of Southwest Gas Holdings, highlighted the company’s commitment to providing safe, affordable, and reliable energy alternatives. She stated, “By delivering RNG to our customers through innovative projects such as this, we are demonstrating our dedication to environmental stewardship, sustainable energy solutions, and making a positive difference in the communities we support.”

For more information about Southwest Gas and its renewable natural gas initiatives, please visit www.swgas.com/rng.

About Southwest Gas

Southwest Gas Corporation is an innovative energy provider dedicated to meeting the expectations of over two million customers across Arizona, California, and Nevada. The company focuses on delivering reliable services while championing sustainable energy solutions essential for community growth and development. To further explore how Southwest Gas aims to contribute towards a safe and sustainable energy future, visit swgas.com.