Haifeng Yang | MEL Candidate | December 3, 2024
Mentors: Maximilian Kneiwasser, Campus & Community Planning, UBC
Abstract
This project examines the role of Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) in advancing UBC’s Climate Action Plan 2030 goals, focusing on hard-to-electrify areas. It reviews regulatory frameworks in British Columbia and Canada, emphasizing economic and environmental drivers for RNG adoption. It evaluates RNG production technologies, advancements, and integration with carbon capture and storage (CCS) for negative emissions. Case studies from BC highlight practical insights into RNG deployment.
Environmental analyses show RNG’s significant carbon reduction potential, while economic assessments reveal higher costs compared to natural gas. Strategic recommendations are provided to integrate RNG into UBC’s infrastructure, supporting long-term sustainability goals.
Introduction
UBC’s Climate Action Plan 2030 prioritizes reducing greenhouse gas emissions across campus operations. RNG offers a low-carbon solution for hard-to-electrify areas like steam systems, winter heating, and laboratory operations.
This project explores the strategic integration of RNG at UBC, focusing on its technical applications, compatibility with existing infrastructure, and potential for negative emissions with CCS. It also examines policy incentives and economic drivers in British Columbia and Canada, supported by case studies that highlight successful RNG deployment and practical challenges. The study aims to provide actionable strategies for incorporating RNG into UBC’s energy systems to advance its decarbonization goals.
Methods and Materials
This study evaluated the potential of RNG as a decarbonization tool for UBC through a comprehensive approach involving literature review, data analysis, case studies, and stakeholder engagement. Key policy frameworks, production technologies, and lifecycle emissions were analyzed to assess RNG’s viability.
Case studies from BC offered valuable insights into successful RNG implementation, while UBC energy and GHG data highlighted critical applications such as steam systems and winter heating. Stakeholder feedback informed practical integration strategies, and scenario modeling of costs, supply, and policy incentives led to actionable recommendations for incorporating RNG into UBC’s CAP2030.
Results
The study highlights RNG as a feasible and impactful solution for advancing UBC’s decarbonization goals under the Climate Action Plan 2030. Lifecycle assessments reveal RNG’s significant potential to reduce GHG emissions, particularly in hard-to-electrify applications.
While economic analysis underscores the higher costs of RNG compared to conventional natural gas, policy incentives and carbon credit mechanisms substantially enhance its viability. Case studies from British Columbia demonstrate successful implementation strategies, and stakeholder insights emphasize the importance of integrating RNG into existing infrastructure. These findings support strategic recommendations for leveraging RNG as a key component of UBC’s sustainable energy transition.
Discussion
The reliance on case studies from British Columbia may limit the generalizability of findings to regions with differing regulatory and economic landscapes. Additionally, more detailed financial modeling could refine the cost estimates of RNG integration, particularly under various policy scenarios. The analysis of CCS as a complement to RNG would benefit from further investigation into the technical and economic feasibility of such integration at UBC.
Future research should explore advancements in RNG production technologies and consider a broader range of feedstocks to enhance scalability. Moreover, engaging with a wider spectrum of stakeholders, including students and local communities, could provide more comprehensive insights.
Conclusions
This study highlights the critical role of RNG in advancing UBC’s decarbonization goals under the CPA2030. By replacing conventional natural gas in challenging applications and leveraging policy incentives, RNG can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, even achieving negative emissions when paired with carbon capture and storage. While challenges such as high costs and limited supply persist, strategic integration of RNG alongside electrification offers a practical pathway to optimize UBC’s energy systems and achieve its long-term sustainability objectives.
Contact
Haifeng Yang
Email: hfyang.ca@outlook.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haifeng-yang-781417178/