November 11, 2024. Methane from dairy cow manure is becoming sustainable renewable natural gas (RNG) at a new DTE Vantage facility that recently began operations in Scipio Center, New York. The project is a collaboration with Sunnyside Farm, which manages approximately 9,000 cows and heifers, and will reduce greenhouse gas emissions in both the immediate area and transportation markets where the RNG is used.
“This RNG project is our first in New York and affirms Vantage’s position as one of the largest RNG producers in the United States,” said Kevin Dobson, Vice President of Biomass, DTE Vantage. “As a decarbonization leader, we are committed to implementing renewable energy solutions across the country to benefit the communities where we live and serve.”
The process is to capture the methane from manure, gas that would otherwise go directly into the atmosphere. Then it’s processed and provided as pipeline-quality RNG for use as an alternative to traditional fossil-based transportation fuel.
The DTE Vantage facility injects the RNG into a pipeline operated by Corning Natural Gas, and with the help of the project’s customer, Mercuria Energy America, delivers it to markets as far as California and Washington. There, the RNG is displacing traditional fossil-based transportation fuels that have higher lifecycle carbon emissions, thus increasing the environmental benefit.
“This RNG project is one of the first of its kind in New York and is converting an otherwise wasted resource into usable energy, which benefits the entire community,” stated Mike German, CEO, Corning Natural Gas. “We have been committed to safety, reliability and superior customer service for 120 years, and we’re excited to be a part of this innovative RNG project.”