PENN VALLEY, PA — This June, the city of Milwaukee, better known for its breweries and the roar of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, will transform into a hub for the renewable natural gas (RNG) industry. The Midwest RNG Conference, hosted by the H2-CCS Network and Shale Directories, is set to take place on June 13 at the Sonesta Milwaukee West.
In the quest for sustainable energy solutions, RNG is emerging as a hot commodity. With municipalities nationwide seeking alternatives to landfill expansion, the Midwest’s 12-state region presents an ideal platform for companies keen on joining the RNG revolution.
Among the distinguished speakers at the conference is Kevin Shafer, P.E. Executive Director of the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD). Known for his innovative green endeavors, Shafer has been a driving force behind regional flood management and renewable energy programs. Under Shafer’s leadership, MMSD is recognized for producing Milorganite®, an organic fertilizer created from wastewater, exemplifying waste-to-energy conversion.
The lineup of speakers also includes Kenneth Thompson, Founder and President of Valtronics/Mustang Sampling, Dave Lindenmuth, Managing Director of Renewable Natural Gas Services at EcoEngineers, and Brad Huxter, Vice President of RNG Services for Northern Biogas.
The Midwest’s significant role in the nation’s bovine and swine industries provides another compelling reason for its potential as an RNG hotspot. According to March 2023 data from Statista, eight of the top 10 hog inventories in the U.S. are in the Midwest, with three of the top 10 dairy cow inventories also recorded in the region. This animal waste represents an untapped resource for RNG production.
Amid mounting pressure to meet ambitious renewable energy targets, governments worldwide are scouting for viable renewable energy sources, with RNG being a prime contender. The U.S. federal and state governments are sweetening the deal by offering incentives worth millions of dollars to boost RNG production and consumption. These incentives, coupled with technological advancements that make RNG production more efficient and cost-effective, are rendering RNG an increasingly attractive alternative to traditional natural gas.
As energy stakeholders assemble in Milwaukee this June, the conference promises to be a crucible of ideas, strategies, and solutions that could steer the RNG industry towards a sustainable and prosperous future.
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