New buyers are emerging for the renewable natural gas (RNG) market, which has historically been driven by the transportation sector, industry experts said Monday.

Sustainability and voluntary customers, which are companies and institutions looking to clean up their carbon profiles, have become a key emerging trend, Innova Energy Services CFO David Tucker said at the LDC Southeast Gas Forum. However, high prices and short contract terms continue to be an impediment for many, he added.

“Honestly, they want to buy RNG but then when they find out the price, they’re going ‘nevermind, I’ll wait,’” he said. “So voluntary companies are going to have to attract RNG away from the transportation market, or find new sources of development.”

Commitments on the renewable...