SoCalGas Partners with Organic Energy Solutions for Renewable Natural Gas to Reduce Emissions

SoCalGas and Organic Energy Solutions Team Up

Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) is taking a significant step towards a greener future by signing its first renewable natural gas (RNG) contract under California's pioneering renewable gas standard. This exciting partnership, announced on March 18, 2025, involves Organic Energy Solutions (OES) and sets the groundwork for sustainable energy solutions using organic waste.

The Significance of the Agreement

The newly approved contract will enable SoCalGas to utilize RNG created from organic waste, significantly contributing to the state's goal of reducing methane emissions. California's Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has instituted specific procurement targets under Senate Bill (SB) 1440, aiming to advance energy decarbonization across its gas utilities. This marks a critical milestone in California's ambitious effort to use renewable energy sources for a cleaner environment.

The RNG sourced from this agreement will come from a project in San Bernardino, California. The initiative not only promises to combat methane emissions from agricultural activities and waste but also aligns with broader energy decarbonization goals across the state. As outlined in the plan, SoCalGas aims to source approximately 12% of its conventional natural gas supply with RNG by the year 2030, reinforcing California’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Environmental Benefits and Energy Transition

Elsa Valay-Paz, SoCalGas's Vice President of Gas Acquisition, emphasized the dual benefit of the contract: a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and the promotion of air quality improvements. The partnership aims to convert waste materials that would usually find their way into landfills into valuable energy resources. Similarly, Brian Hume, Senior Vice President of Operations for BioStar Renewables — the parent company of OES — stressed that this collaboration signifies a leap forward in California's transition to a cleaner energy future.

OES is focused on converting organic waste, a significant contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, into renewable energy. Utilizing anaerobic digestion, the degradation of organic matter occurs without oxygen, preventing harmful methane emissions from escaping into the atmosphere. This process effectively transforms waste into RNG which can then enter SoCalGas’s pipeline system.

Once fully operational, OES anticipates that the project will prevent about 15,300 tons of GHGs from being released annually. To put this into perspective, this is equivalent to the energy consumption of nearly 3,000 homes or the carbon offset from 1.7 million gallons of gasoline.

Advancing Clean Transportation

The transition to RNG is already making an impact on cleaner transportation. SoCalGas began integrating RNG into its fueling stations back in 2019, marking a shift from traditional fossil fuels to this more sustainable alternative. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) recognized the RNG at these stations as carbon negative, further solidifying its environmental credibility.

In light of its achievements, SoCalGas is set to deliver approximately 5% RNG to its customers starting in 2023, positioning itself as a leader in the evolution of clean energy solutions. The renewable gas initiatives are expected to redefine the energy landscape in California and serve as a model for utilities across the nation.

A Bright Future for RNG

The progress made by SoCalGas in meeting RNG procurement goals under SB 1440 will set a precedent that could inspire other states in the U.S. to adopt similar strategies. As noted by Sam Wade, Vice President of Public Policy for the RNG Coalition, this innovative climate solution not only addresses methane emissions but also aligns with a long-term decarbonization agenda at the utility level.

SoCalGas continues its commitment to advancing sustainable solutions which support California’s clean air and climate principles. With the mandate for RNG procurement, California anticipates significant advancements in reducing GHGs within both industrial processes and the transportation sector.

For more insights on SoCalGas’s initiatives related to renewable natural gas and sustainable energy solutions, you can visit their official site.

This partnership marks an essential step towards a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable energy future, benefiting both the environment and the communities that SoCalGas serves.