chevron and calbio biogas partnership

3 min read | july 01, 2020

an innovative way forward

Finding inspiration in nature is one way Chevron is working to provide an alternative source of power through dairy farms.

In partnership with California Bioenergy LLC (CalBio) and California dairy farmers, we are working to produce and market dairy biomethane as renewable natural gas (RNG). This venture is just one of the ways we are helping to protect the environment, provide a renewable energy source, and comply with low-carbon fuel regulations.

Chevron’s partnership with CalBio brings the expertise and reputation to help make Chevron a leader in this industry. Biogas is an emerging field, and Chevron’s reputation for responsibility, trust and integrity underpins its dedication to the future of energy.

did you know?

A 1,000-pound dairy cow produces an average of
80 pounds of manure each day.

how do we collect biogas for renewable natural gas?

Manure is often stored in holding tanks before being used to fertilize fields. Not only does the manure produce methane as it decomposes, it may contribute to excess nutrients in waterways.

This current project includes 80,000 cows. There are 1.8 million cows in California on more than 1,500 dairy farms – so plenty of opportunity to grow.

“These projects bring so many win-wins that would not be possible without our farmers’ and Chevron’s support. While helping the environment by reducing greenhouse gases, these projects also help create local jobs and improve local air quality by producing ultra-clean fuel for new renewable compressed natural gas engines.”

n. ross buckenham

calbio’s chief executive officer

the renewable natural gas process

Renewable natural gas is produced in a different manner than conventional natural gas. It is derived from biogas, which is produced from organic waste and processed for future use.

CalBio will provide technology, operational experience and capital to help dairy farmers build digester and methane capture projects that will convert methane – a greenhouse gas – to beneficial use as renewable natural gas.

Chevron will invest in construction of up to 18 digesters to collect methane. Once complete, these digesters will reduce the dairies’ methane emissions, making them more efficient and environmentally sustainable.

The dairy projects are designed to send biogas to a processing facility where it will be upgraded to renewable natural gas and sent to a local utility via pipeline. The clean renewable natural gas is then sold for use in heavy-duty trucks and buses.

“This is a unique opportunity for Chevron to show we are part of the energy future.”

john cooper

chevron business development manager