As Portland, OR-based utility NW Natural continues hydrogen testing, management put the spotlight on investments into renewable natural gas (RNG) during the quarterly earnings update.

Through separate contracts with Archaea Energy Inc., BP Products North America Inc. and Element Markets LLC, NW Natural has procured about 2.1 MMBtu of RNG. When paired with investments to date totaling around $76 million, the utility could purchase or develop enough RNG to support 3% of its Oregon supply, management noted. 

This includes the NW Natural Renewables unit’s partnership with Energy Developments Ltd., and investments into “two RNG facilities and a 20-year RNG supply agreement,” said NW Natural Holding Co. CEO David Anderson. Both facilities are scheduled to be placed into service...