The Role of RNG in Achieving Carbon Neutrality Learn how the University of California system is reaching their goal of carbon neutrality by 2025 with the use of renewable natural gas Mark Byron Executive Director - Renewable Energy Programs University of California Office of the President
Two views of UC
The University of California The University of California improves the lives of people in California and around the world through world-class educational opportunities, groundbreaking research, top-rated health care and agricultural expertise.
The University of California The University of California improves the lives of people in California and around the world through world-class educational opportunities, groundbreaking research, top-rated health care and agricultural expertise. 300,000 MT Scope 2 700,000 MT Scope 1 Cogeneration power plants Boilers Natural gas combustion
Assessing the Challenge The on-campus combustion UC’s Current Emissions of natural gas represents Steam our primary challenge in 4% reducing emissions. Electricit y Natural 29% Gas 63% Other Scope 1 1% Refrigerants 1% Fleet 2%
Why carbon neutrality matters
UC Carbon Neutrality Initiative UC Research Mission University of California’s buildings and fleets will become net carbon neutral by 2025 . Charles David Keeling Vision The University of California is developing scalable solutions to build the low-carbon future our research has proven to be imperative. Sherwood Rowland and Mario Molina
UC’s Sustainable Practices Policy Introduction The University of California is committed to responsible stewardship of resources and to demonstrating leadership in sustainable business practices. The University’s locations should be living laboratories for sustainability, contributing to the research and educational mission of the University, consistent with available funding and safe operational practices
Our action will: • Reflect UC’s core mission of research, teaching, and public service • Be financially responsible • Provide tangible environmental and social benefits • Optimize existing and future campus infrastructure
The Plan
Prioritizing Solutions Solution-set Hierarchy, Independent of Cost Considerations Biogas is here CARBON NEUTRAL
UC now has over 100 renewable energy supplies on-line
UC Irvine Rooftop Systems (4.3MW)
Utility-scale - Five Points (60 MW)
UC is developing Biomethane projects...
…and signing offtake agreements for Biomethane
Our latest project is under construction in Rialto, CA
Biogas and UC
Why Biogas Is Part of UC’s Carbon Neutrality Strategy • CH4 * Air (O2) = CO2 and H2O [source of carbon footprint] • Solutions - Competition from offsets, competition from capital projects – CH4 + (BioGas) = 0 carbon foot print – CO2 + (Offsets) = 0 carbon foot print – Electrification • Biogas – Alleviates the need for Allowances – Has great environmental benefits (co-benefits of solids and effluent) – Creates useful work, displaces NG – Assists in capital planning cycle – Solution is in the pipe – Resiliency in a PSPS world – US locations
UC in the market: We are Buying Gas • Looking for (a lot) of new supply – See Sam Schabacker – RFP likely – cap and trade eligible • What UC Brings: • Suggestions: – Long-term, fixed-price off taker – Think about driving down COGS – Credit-worthy counterparty – Value of leverage – Leading research institution – Ability to provide credit support – Openness to innovative deal – Openness to innovative deal structures structures
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