NW Natural has a plan to be carbon neutral by 2050, and on Thursday, the gas company published an in-depth analysis on how it will make that happen.
The plan, called VISION 2050: Destination Zero, relies on “more aggressive energy efficiency actions, coupled with new equipment technologies that reduce energy consumption,” according to its website.
The company is seeking to replace conventional natural gas supplies with lower-carbon energy sources, including “renewable natural gas” captured and converted from organic waste and trash and also clean hydrogen that can blend with waste carbon dioxide and be converted into synthetic natural gas.
“This is one of the first comprehensive assessments of its kind by a gas utility that demonstrates multiple pathways to achieving carbon neutrality,” said David H. Anderson, NW Natural president and CEO in a news release on Thursday. “The renewable supply exists, the technology exists, and our modern storage and energy delivery network is ready. We’re committed to leading the way to solutions that work for our environment, our customers and the communities we serve.”
NW Natural residential and commercial customers, about 2.5 million people in Oregon and Southwest Washington, contribute to about 6 percent of Oregon’s greenhouse gas emissions.
