When you hear the term ‘renewables,’ you may think of solar or wind power. But, that’s just part of the picture. Biogas is also an important renewable resource.
Biogas is gas that comes from renewable resources, like agricultural waste, food processing waste and manure, all of which are abundant in California. However, unlike solar or wind power, biogas doesn’t need the sun to shine or the wind to blow. Waste material can be converted into deliverable, renewable energy 24/7.
Recipe for a Clean, Green Fuel Source
Here’s how biogas is produced: First, organic waste is placed in a fermentation tank, or digester, without air. As the organic waste breaks down, it creates biogas – a mixture of methane and other gases. The biogas can then be processed to leave 98 percent pure methane, called biomethane. Finally, the biomethane, which has the same components of natural gas, is ready to be used as an energy source.
Converting organic waste into biomethane is good for the environment because it helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. If organic materials were simply left to decompose rather than being converted to biomethane, they would emit methane, which is 21 times more potent than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere.
Biomethane also reduces the need for conventional fossil fuels. In fact, the California Bioenergy Working Group estimates that biomethane has the potential to supply about 16 percent of California’s natural gas needs.
Putting Biomethane to Work
Businesses producing biomethane can use it to power natural gas-fueled equipment, or to generate electricity on-site. They also can sell bio-methane on the open market at a premium to gas suppliers or electric utilities, using The Gas Company’s existing pipelines to transport it. Biomethane is highly valued by electric utilities because using it to generate power helps them meet state mandated renewables goals.
As part of our commitment to the environment, The Gas Company is working with businesses to help them explore the potential of biomethane. We are also offering incentives on qualifying projects to convert waste into clean, green fuel. And, last September The Gas Company became the first utility in California to establish guidelines that facilitate transporting biomethane over existing pipelines.
Onion Power
The Gas Company assists customers like Gills Onions in harnessing the power of biogas. Gills, a family-owned and -operated grower and food processor, converts 100% of its onion waste into clean, renewable energy, creating enough electricity from its biomethane to power 460 homes. This also helps reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by up to 30,000 tons per year. Learn more...
Compton Sister Cities Program NOW Official
Compton City Council officially passed the "Compton Sister Cities"
Resolution (pages 179 onward, Agenda item # 17) during its Jan. 19, 2010 session.
Based on the resolution, the sister cities program is being formed and
managed as a chapter of Compton Chamber of Commerce.
The resolution opens the way to establish official partnerships with
Yanga-Mexico, Apia-Samoa, Ikeja-Nigeria and Port of Spain-Trinidad & Tobago.
Click here to view these pictures larger
Compton is a vibrant and ever evolving community. It continues to attract new businesses, industries and organizations. Many residents describe it as a "Golden City". Others refer to it as the "Hub City" due to its central location to Los Angeles, Long Beach and surrounding communities.
The fruits of many years of labor for the City are still being realized through major strides in education, job training, economic development and employment. From the beginning, it is the involvement and commitment of the citizens that continues to propel Compton’s evolution. We at the Compton Chamber of Commerce have dedicated ourselves to the shared goals of the citizens and the business community.
We have an extensive referral system, which can assist you and your employees in getting information in an efficient manner.
As the city itself depends on the involvement and commitment of it’s community, we at the Chamber rely on your participation and commitment. With your support and involvement the Chamber can achieve bigger and broader goals thus providing better support to the members. In that, we hope that you will share your ideas and thoughts with us regularly.
We conduct business mixers and luncheons as forums for networking and thought sharing, but communicating to us is not limited to the functions. We are available for you during normal business hours as well, and we can be contacted at any time with any questions, comments or concerns.
We Thank You for your interest in the Compton Chamber of Commerce and we look forward to your membership.