Aemetis Biogas, LLC (Recipient), in cooperation with a project team consisting of Robbie Macias, Aemetis Biogas, LLC, and Momentum, sought to build a biogas upgrading facility within the existing Aemetis Ethanol Plant.
This report provides an overview of the progress and impact of the biogas upgrading facility (“HUB”) established by Aemetis Biogas, LLC in Keyes, CA. Designed to efficiently convert biogas from nearby dairies into renewable natural gas (RNG), the facility has achieved significant milestones since inception. Prior to the project completion, biogas from the first two operational dairies was used as process energy to produce Ethanol. The process energy is biogas that enters the boiler at the ethanol plant, where it is combusted to generate steam for the plant. Since then, Aemetis has established a standalone biogas production facility to produce pipeline quality RNG and at full build out the Aemetis Biogas Upgrading Facility is designed to process biogas from 50 dairies upon full operation. Currently the facility has already witnessed promising results. Provisional Pathways for seven (7) of the nine (9) dairies currently producing biogas have an average carbon intensity score of -351 gCO2e/MJ the increase on the net carbon intensity is a result of additional process energy required to upgrade the biogas to renewable natural gas.
Critical to the success of the project, Aemetis Biogas, LLC has diligently executed feedstock agreements with over forty (44) local dairies to ensure a consistent supply of raw materials while establishing offtake agreements for the sale of RNG produced. The RNG, certified as carbon negative, serves as a sustainable transportation fuel, contributing significantly to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Leveraging innovative technologies and strategic partnerships, including collaboration with the Trillium Transportation LLC, the project aligns with the objectives of the Low Carbon Fuel Production Program. Through its commitment to renewable fuel production and waste management, the biogas upgrading facility exemplifies a sustainable solution in advancing the biofuel industry while mitigating environmental impact.