As the global landscape continues to progress, renewable natural gas (RNG) is advancing as a cornerstone of the renewable energy transition. RNG is increasing traction across a wide array of industries - from its growing adoption in the transportation space to sectors like maritime logistics and data center infrastructure. 

Transportation: RNG Hits the Road
The transportation sector is increasingly embracing RNG as a viable alternative to diesel, especially for heavy-duty fleets and public transit systems. In 2004, natural gas vehicles consumed the equivalent of 774 million gallons of gasoline in the U.S., and 86% of those vehicles were powered by RNG.¹ RNG-powered trucks, such as those equipped with the Cummins' new X15N engine, offer up to 90% lower nitrogen oxide emissions compared to diesel counterparts, while maintaining comparable horsepower and torque.¹ Transit agencies across the country are also making the switch. These transitions not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 300% depending on feedstock², but also help cities meet air quality and sustainability goals without overhauling existing infrastructure. 

Maritime Industry: RNG Sets Sail
The maritime sector, traditionally reliant on heavy fuel oil, is undergoing a sustainable transformation. In October 2025, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is set to formally adopt its Net-zero Framework, which is a "legally binding framework to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships globally, aiming for net-zero emissions by or around, i.e. close to 2050."³ RNG, also referred to as biomethane, can serve as a turnkey solution for the maritime industry to reduce its emissions, which account for nearly 3% of global greenhouse gases.⁴ 

Data Centers: Powering Technology's Future
Data centers are among the most energy-intensive facilities, consuming 10 to 50 times more electricity per square foot than typical commercial buildings.⁵ With more than 5,400 data centers in the U.S. alone, their carbon footprint is substantial.⁶ Across the potential 17,000 biogas systems in the U.S., there is potential to generate approximately 194 million megawatt-hours (MWh) annually.⁷ By leveraging renewable electricity generated from biogas or renewable natural gas, the technology industry can make its advancements in a sustainable way.

RNG's Expanding Horizon
From fueling ships to powering servers, RNG is no longer just a lower-carbon alternative - it's a strategic asset in the push for emissions reduction. As industries seek resilient, renewable solutions, RNG offers a compelling blend of environmental benefit, economic viability, and operational reliability. 


Sources

1. https://www.ttnews.com/articles/rng-gains-longhaul-momentum 
2. https://energy-vision.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/WhatIsRNG-FactSheet.pdf
3. https://www.imo.org/en/mediacentre/pressbriefings/pages/imo-approves-netzero-regulations.aspx
4. https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/05/decarbonize-maritime-industry-real-time-emissions-tracking/
5. https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/data-centers-and-servers#:~:text=Data%20centers%20are%20one%20of,a%20typical%20commercial%20office%20building
6. https://www.eesi.org/articles/view/data-center-energy-needs-are-upending-power-grids-and-threatening-the-climate#:~:text=Key%20Takeaways:,plant%20generates%20about%201%20GW
7. https://www.powermag.com/how-biogas-is-solving-data-centers-clean-energy-challenge/
8. https://www.powermag.com/how-biogas-is-solving-data-centers-clean-energy-challenge/