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R-CNG as a fuel for transportation

R-CNG as a fuel for transportation

RNG can be used in the form of compressed natural gas (R-CNG) to fuel vehicles, reducing CO2 emissions from around 50% -100% compared to fossil fuels on a well-to-wheel basis.

Encouraged by government policies, demand for R-CNG is increasing in transport sectors such as road and marine. Establishing a business in the production and supply of R-CNG allows Shell to continue providing customers with the fuels they need, not only today but in the future.

RNG overview

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Why R-CNG for transportation industry?

The transport industry is one of the most influential sectors in any country and has a responsibility to the environment as well as its profits. Cost effective fuel alternatives can take care of both these responsibilities, one such fuel is RNG.

With Government regulations involving air quality and carbon reduction expected to grow more restrictive over time, at Shell, we are helping transportation hauliers and customers bridge the gap from traditional fuels to R-CNG through a growing North America CNG station network.

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R-CNG as a fuel for transportation

Ready for today and tomorrow

There are more than 28 million natural gas vehicles (NGVs) in use around the world today, along with 33,000 natural gas fuelling stations.

Shell is actively expanding its network of R-CNG refuelling stations. With dedicated fast fill fuelling stations like the Carson terminal, Shell is meeting traditional refuelling speeds to help minimize driver downtime.

Additionally, overnight time-fill refuelling stations can be installed in fleet yards so every vehicle begins the day with a full tank.

R-CNG offers multiple advantages over traditional transportation fuels:

Performance

R-CNG can be used in the same applications as conventional natural gas with no difference in performance.

Emissions reduction

R-CNG provides drastic reduction in emissions compared to fossil fuels on a well-to-wheels basis, helping companies achieve sustainability goals.

Captures methane emissions

R-CNG captures previously uncontrolled methane emissions from dairy farms and other sources, preventing harmful greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere.

Additional income

R-CNG provides additional income for dairy farmers and creates valuable by-products including compost, fertilizer and animal bedding.

Government incentives

R-CNG benefits from government incentives in the United States.

Anaerobic digestion: deploying in dairy farms

Anaerobic digestion is a mature technology that Shell is currently deploying in dairy farms across the United States.

Ask us about our incentives programs

Case study spotlights

High Plains Ponderosa Dairy, located in Plains, Kansas, milks its cows in a rotary barn, which is a large carousel much like a merry-go-round. The dairy is collaborating with Shell on a greenfield dairy manure to RNG project. Once operational Shell Downstream Galloway is expected to produce more than 500,000 MMBtu a year of negative carbon intensity RNG using cow manure from the dairy.

Shell Downstream Galloway, Biomethane facility

Shell is constructing a dairy manure to renewable natural gas (RNG) facility to be co-located at the High Plains Ponderosa Dairy in Plains, Kansas. Once operational Shell Downstream Galloway is expected to produce more than 500,000 MMBtu a year of negative carbon intensity RNG using cow manure from the dairy. Under a new contract, 20% of LA Metro’s CNG bus fleet and 100% of its garbage trucks are set to be powered by Shell RNG.

Shell is constructing a dairy manure to renewable natural gas (RNG) facility to be co-located at the Bettencourt Dairies in Wendell, Idaho. Once operational Shell Downstream Bovarius is expected to produce approximately 400,000 MMBtu a year of negative carbon intensity RNG using cow manure from the dairy.

Shell Downstream Bovarius, Biomethane facility

Shell is constructing a dairy manure to renewable natural gas (RNG) facility to be co-located at the Bettencourt Dairies in Wendell, Idaho. Once operational Shell Downstream Bovarius is expected to produce approximately 400,000 MMBtu a year of negative carbon intensity RNG using cow manure from the dairy.

Shell plans to construct, own, and operate its first renewable compressed natural gas (R-CNG) fueling site in the US at Shell’s products distribution complex in Carson, California. The R-CNG will come from Shell’s portfolio of anaerobic digestion projects, including Shell New Energies Junction City, Shell Downstream Galloway and Shell Downstream Bovarius.

Carson Renewable Compressed Natural Gas fueling site

In September 2021, Shell opened its first renewable compressed natural gas (R-CNG) fueling site in the US at its products distribution complex in Carson, California. The R-CNG comes from Shell’s portfolio of anaerobic digestion projects, including Shell New Energies Junction City, Shell Downstream Galloway and Shell Downstream Bovarius.

Shell is committed to expanding our interests in sustainable energy sources, specifically including R-CNG.

Anaerobic digestion: deploying in dairy farms

Anaerobic digestion is a mature technology that Shell is currently deploying in dairy farms across the United States.

Quality and consistency of supply

By controlling production and distribution, Shell is able to ensure the consistency and quality of the R-CNG we provide.

Natural Gas refuelling stations

Shell operates more than 2,000 natural gas refueling stations worldwide, and we’re bringing that expertise to the U.S. market.