The Partnership for Energy Progress is a collaboration of workers, utilities, farmers, small and large businesses, and trade associations across the Northwest. We’re committed to continuous improvement and decarbonization. Utilities are bringing more renewable natural gas and renewable hydrogen into their energy mix and delivering it through existing infrastructure. For this Earth Day, we also highlight how natural gas and its related emerging technologies are powering our world and driving sustainability efforts in new and unique ways.
Renewable Hydrogen
Oregon and Washington have joined forces to take advantage of federal investment opportunities in renewable hydrogen. Their goal: to take advantage of the Northwest’s hydro, wind and solar generation to give us a strong regional presence of renewable hydrogen. Most of the region’s hydrogen is produced as a byproduct of traditional natural gas rather than using clean sources like our abundant hydro, wind or solar. Funding available through the Inflation Reduction Act will speed up this transition.
Recycling
Aluminum recycling boosts sustainability by allowing us to reuse almost all that’s produced – around 85% of all aluminum ever made is still around and being used. This, combined with a 93% energy reduction compared to its production requirements, makes natural gas aluminum recycling integral to climate action. Natural gas is the best fuel to melt aluminum at a consistent temperature efficiently – no other alternatives are presently viable.
Food Industry
We also rely on the emissions reductions available to the food industry by using natural gas – regional food manufacturing has reduced its carbon footprint by more than a quarter in the past ten years due to switching from traditional energy sources to natural gas. The industry is aiming for another 25% reduction by 2032, which will likely be impossible without natural gas.
Transportation
The transportation sector is traditionally a large portion of our carbon footprint, but trucks and airplanes powered by renewable natural gas and hydrogen are becoming more widespread. With our ever-increasingly connected world, the global reduction in shipping and travel capacity tied to current environmental regulations would only be disastrous with alternatives. These fuels are more important than ever to invest in and develop for us and our lifestyles and our planet.
On the Farm
Dairy Farms have become highly efficient with a smaller carbon footprint, even as the demand for dairy products has increased. With innovative practices in cow health, improved feed, and modern management practices like RNG, the environmental impact of producing a gallon of milk has shrunk significantly over the last 15 years, requiring 30% less water, 21% less land, and generating a 19% smaller carbon footprint.