There’s been a lot of conversation over the years about electrification, renewable energy and the place of gas in a lower carbon future. While a good and balanced conversation is important, actions speak louder than words. Anyone can talk the talk, but we’re helping create a lower carbon B.C. in a manner that’s practical and economic, and we have a lot to show for our progress this year.

Can’t help falling in love with… organic waste

At waste facilities across Canada, organic waste is decomposing and releasing a greenhouse gas called methane into the atmosphere. A greenhouse gas is a gas that traps heat inside our atmosphere instead of letting it escape, thus contributing to climate change. Naturally, we’re trying very hard to reduce greenhouse gas emissions so we’re capturing methane before it releases into the atmosphere, and converting it into an energy called Renewable Natural Gas.

Like its name suggests, Renewable Natural Gas¹ is certified low-carbon², and derived from renewable sources such as organic or agricultural waste. And the best part is that it mixes seamlessly with conventional natural gas in existing gas lines, and we have around 49,000 kilometres of gas lines already in place delivering energy throughout B.C. So instead of using resources and money to create new green infrastructure, we’re using what we already have to deliver low-carbon energy to homes and businesses across our province.

We’ve recently announced some exciting partnerships this year to make this all happen. We announced a brand-new project in cooperation with the Capital Regional District in April to use the Hartland Landfill to make Renewable Natural Gas. We’ve also done something no other company in North America has done – partner in a project that converts wood waste to Renewable Natural Gas. REN Energy is building a facility in Fruitvale, B.C., that will convert forestry waste into low-carbon, useable energy and we’ll purchase over a million gigajoules of Renewable Natural Gas from them each year for the next 20 years. A million gigajoules is enough energy to meet the needs of approximately 12,500 B.C. homes for a year (based on average annual household consumption of 90 gigajoules per year).

Wood waste

Home is where the heart is, and we’re working to tap into all the potential that exists in our province. But there’s only so many landfills and waste facilities available, and that’s why we’re looking at other ways to increase the amount of Renewable Gases in our system. From exploring bringing in Renewable Natural Gas from outside of B.C. to tapping into the potential of hydrogen, we’re finding more and more ways to “green” our gas system.

Climate action is always on our mind

Last year, we announced our 30BY30 target – our goal to reduce our customers’ greenhouse gas emissions by 30 per cent by 2030. It remains one of the single most ambitious emissions reductions targets in the Canadian utility sector, because we understand our responsibility to our environment and we’re doing something about it.

Within this goal was another aim to have 15 per cent of our natural gas supply be from renewable sources by 2030 – a target in line with the goals the B.C. government laid out in its CleanBC plan.

With the agreements we have in place or in the regulatory process this year, close to five per cent of our gas supply will be from renewable sources once they’re all in operation. These agreements include partnerships with the City of Vancouver, the Capital Regional District, REN Energy, Tidal Energy in Ontario, Lethbridge Biogas in Alberta and Seabreeze Dairy Farms.

How can you help?

Climate change will require a team effort – we can’t do it alone. We urge municipalities to look at what their landfills or waste facilities are doing today and consider the benefits of partnering with us. Together, we can use our decomposing organic waste to create renewable energy. We’re counting on you.

We need your help. We all have a part to play in advancing a lower carbon future, and there’s a lot you can do. Sure, you may not have a landfill in your backyard (we hope!) but have you taken a look at our rebate programs? We offer a variety of rebates for residential, commercial and industrial customers to help them upgrade to higher efficiency equipment to help you use less gas, renewable or otherwise.

Like Elvis said, “a little less conversation, a little more action.”

So I beg of you, let’s put on our blue suede shoes and love our environment tender, because it’s now or never. Let’s work together to solve climate change.

Thank you. Thank you very much.

¹ Renewable Natural Gas (also called RNG or biomethane) is produced in a different manner than conventional natural gas. It is derived from biogas, which is produced from decomposing organic waste from landfills, agricultural waste and wastewater from treatment facilities. The biogas is captured and cleaned to create Renewable Natural Gas.
² When compared to the lifecycle carbon intensity of conventional natural gas. The burner tip emission factor of FortisBC’s current Renewable Natural Gas (also called RNG or biomethane) portfolio is 0.29 grams of carbon dioxide equivalent per megajoule of energy (gCO₂e/MJ). FortisBC’s current RNG portfolio lifecycle emissions are -22 gCO₂e/MJ. This is below B.C.’s low carbon threshold for lifecycle carbon intensity of 36.4 gCO₂e/MJ as set out in the 2021 B.C. Hydrogen Strategy.