R-CNG as a fuel for transportation

Renewable compressed natural gas, or R-CNG, is compressed pipeline-quality gas produced from qualifying organic feedstocks, including dairy manure and other organic waste streams.

Its qualification and associated environmental attributes depend on the applicable regulatory pathway, lifecycle methodology, feedstock source, production process, transportation, chain-of-custody requirements and end use. Environmental performance may vary depending on these factors.

R-CNG can be used in compatible natural gas vehicles where appropriate infrastructure, equipment and fuel specifications are available.

Shell supplies R-CNG for certain commercial transportation applications in the United States and operates fueling infrastructure supporting natural gas transportation customers.

RNG overview

Transportation Applications

Natural gas vehicles are used in a variety of commercial transportation sectors. Depending on customer requirements and location, fueling solutions may include dedicated fast-fill stations, fleet-based fueling infrastructure or other fueling configurations.

R-CNG may be considered by customers as one option within their broader fuel management strategy. Suitability depends on fleet requirements, operating conditions, infrastructure availability, applicable regulations and other business considerations.

Dairy Manure Pathways

Some R-CNG pathways use organic waste streams, including dairy manure, as feedstocks for gas production.

Certain regulatory methodologies account for avoided methane associated with collecting manure for gas production rather than alternative management practices. Any resulting lifecycle carbon-intensity values depend on the specific certified pathway and methodology applied. Results may vary by feedstock source, production process, transportation method, end use and applicable program requirements.

Fueling Infrastructure

Shell supports commercial transportation customers through a network of natural gas fueling locations in selected markets.

Fueling configurations and services vary by site and customer requirements.

Understanding Environmental Performance

R-CNG is combusted when used as a transportation fuel and produces tailpipe emissions. Lifecycle carbon-intensity assessments differ from tailpipe emissions measurements and may use different methodologies, assumptions and system boundaries.

Customers should evaluate transportation fuel options using the methodologies, regulatory frameworks, operational requirements and business considerations relevant to their specific circumstances.

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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 operates a facility co-located with the High Plains Ponderosa Dairy in Plains, Kansas. The facility processes dairy manure into pipeline-quality gas, commonly referred to as renewable natural gas or biomethane. As of 2023, the facility is operating. It is designed with an estimated annual production capacity of approximately 500,000 MMBtu, subject to feedstock availability and operating conditions. Gas produced from dairy manure may be used in applications that currently use conventional natural gas, including as compressed natural gas for certain vehicles. Environmental performance varies depending on the feedstock, production process, transport, end use and lifecycle-accounting methodology.

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 operates a facility co-located with the Bettencourt Darries in Wedell, Idaho.The facility processes dairy manure into pipeline-quality gas, commonly referred to as renewable natural gas or biomethane. As of 2024, the facility is operating. It is designed with an estimated annual production capacity of approximately 400,000 MMBtu, subject to feedstock availability and operating conditions.

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.