RNG, a recognized source of renewable energy
This energy is 100% produced from organic waste and concretely reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Switch to green energy by choosing renewable natural gas.
Ready to commit?
You could receive a grant for a 5-year commitment to just 5% RNG through our Decarbonization Support Program (DSP)1.
RNG, a decarbonization solution
A recognized source of renewable energy
RNG is recognized by the Quebec government as a renewable energy, contributing to the new greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets announced in the 2030 Plan for a Green Economy (PGE)2030, i.e. to reduce GHG emissions by 37.5% from 1990 levels by 2030.
Reducing greenhouse gases
RNG is a natural gas from a 100% renewable source that reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in two ways. First, it contributes very little to GHG emissions when burned, unlike fossil fuels; and second, by avoiding GHG emissions linked to the landfilling of organic residual materials.
A complementary energy
RNG complements energy efficiency programs and the use of dual-energy, making it possible to reduce consumption and use the right energy at the right time and at the best cost.
Energy for resale
RNG is an energy that can be produced locally, and the production of RNG is under development in Quebec.
It’s a concrete solution for municipalities, farmers and even other types of businesses to recover their organic waste, while generating economic spin-offs.
Towards carbon neutrality for buildings
As of April 1, 2024, any new connection to Énergir’s grid must be powered by 100% renewable energy:
- Dual energy electricity-RNG
- 100% renewable natural gas (RNG)
This proactive initiative is one more step towards decarbonizing the network and reducing our customers’ energy footprint. Above all, it is the next logical step in the efforts needed to slow the growth of new fossil-based natural gas connections in the targeted sectors and accelerate the pace of decarbonizing buildings in Québec.
How is renewable natural gas produced?
Biomethanation
Organic waste is collected and transported to a biomethanation plant where it is converted into energy, i.e. renewable natural gas (RNG).
Injection into the network
RNG is injected into the traditional natural gas network. Renewable and traditional natural gas molecules intermingle and are interchangeable.
Purchasing RNG
By purchasing RNG, you reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) in Quebec and help drive the development of the RNG sector. Although we can’t guarantee that RNG is supplying your buildings, a portion of the RNG that flows through the network is attributed to you. And only you can claim that you are improving your carbon footprint with the purchase of this renewable energy.
Dual-energy electricity and renewable natural gas
By switching to dual-energy electricity and RNG, you’re choosing an optimal decarbonization solution to avoid greenhouse gas emissions from your buildings.
How does it work?
Your heating system runs on electricity around 70% of the time, and RNG takes over during peak periods of extreme cold.³
It’s a solution that ensures you get all the energy you need to heat your building while drastically reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, since the energy used is 100% renewable.
You could benefit from Hydro-Québec’s dual-energy electricity rate and grants.4
Our goals for the future
10% of renewable natural gas in our network by 2030 = a reduction of 1 million tons of GHG
that’s equal to 250,000 fewer cars on the road
Questions?
We've got answers.
Nothing can confirm exactly how much RNG is consumed in your appliances, since RNG and traditional natural gas circulate in the same gas network. The molecules are therefore intermingled. It's the same for the electricity you consume: we can't know which dam or wind turbine the electron that lights our homes comes from.
When you buy RNG, you can be sure that this volume has been purchased by Énergir as part of its supply, replacing the traditional natural gas molecules. Your renewable natural gas purchase volumes are indicated on your detailed invoices under total natural gas consumption. Énergir has its RNG supply and inventory verified by the Bureau de normalisation du Québec (BNQ).
Through a process of biomethanation, organic matter (food waste, slurry, manure, wastewater, etc.) is transformed into biogas, which once purified becomes renewable natural gas.
This product reduces the greenhouse gas emissions targeted in the fight against climate change in two ways: first, by replacing fossil energy with renewable energy, and second, by recovering the methane emissions associated with the disposal of organic waste at landfill sites.
Renewable natural gas is recognized by Natural Resources Canada as a renewable energy and clean fuel that will help Canada achieve its new net-zero emission targets. In addition, according to the Government of Québec’s Regulation respecting mandatory reporting of certain emissions of contaminants into the atmosphere, greenhouse gas emissions for RNG are very low and comparable to hydroelectricity emissions (0.30 kg CO2-eq/GJ for RNG vs. 0.44 kg CO2-eq/GJ for hydro).
The cost gap between renewable natural gas (RNG) and traditional natural gas is based on different production processes and costs, and on the availability of inventories in a context of high demand for renewable energy.
As is the case with traditional natural gas, Énergir does not profit from the sale of RNG molecules, and our teams make every effort to ensure it is supplied at the lowest cost to all our customers.
No. You don't need to buy or modify any equipment, because RNG and natural gas are interchangeable. RNG can be used for the same purposes as natural gas.
You can request a change to your renewable natural gas purchasing profile at any time. As a customer, for an effective date of the first of the following month, submit your request no later than the 20th of the current month. Requests received after the 20th of the month will be processed with the following month’s requests. Request a change right in your Customer Space, specifying the revised purchase percentage and desired effective date.
“Énergir has transitioned to renewable natural gas for its various buildings*. Eight regional business offices, the head office, the gas technology school and the LSR plant have been upgraded to 100% RNG. Our next business office in Estrie, currently under construction, will also be 100% GNR.
This choice supports our objective to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from our buildings and is part of achieving decarbonization targets for buildings in Quebec.”
*Buildings owned by Énergir.
1- For customers not subject to the new decision regarding 100% renewable energy connections for new construction.
2- RNG could be competitive with 100% electricity or hydrogen. Contact an Energir representative to estimate your needs and the decarbonization solutions best suited to your situation.
3- When temperatures fall below -12° or -15 °, depending on the region.
4- Certain conditions apply. Grant amounts vary depending on the power of the appliances installed and the work done to install them. Talk to your representative.
Grant amounts cannot exceed 80% of the premium cost associated with the purchase and installation of the appliances.
Costs for electrical work may be added to the cost of purchasing and installing the equipment.
To take advantage of the grants, you must sign a contract with your Énergir sales representative or certified natural gas partner prior to installation.
The grant amounts and program terms and conditions are subject to change without notice.