There is a boom happening in the energy field, a scalable, clean and cost-effective solution that’s already reshaping how America moves: renewable natural gas (RNG). RNG is a fuel source produced from waste materials, compatible with any natural gas engine, no adjustments required.
Other alternatives like electric and hydrogen require significant new capital investment without generating a positive return on investment. And even when in place, the short life and heavy weight of batteries limit their range and hauling capacity. RNG, on the other hand, is effective and ready now. RNG-powered trucks can utilize existing infrastructure and thanks to innovations in engine technology, can accommodate long-distance, heavy-duty trucking. Natural gas trucks today can travel greater than 1,000 miles on a single fill.
RNG production in the U.S. has increased 400% since 2018, with 44% more projects coming online in 2025 alone. While in large part thanks to its high performance and compatibility with existing infrastructure, it also helps that natural gas and RNG have been favored by the current presidential administration. A recent Executive Order prioritizes natural gas as part of the country’s clean energy infrastructure strategy, and additional proposed bipartisan legislation like the Renewable Natural Gas Incentive Act of 2025 is supporting the future of RNG.
One reason the government favors RNG is because it is produced domestically. Collected methane and other harmful outputs are collected from local sources, most commonly landfills and wastewater treatment plants. Waste naturally produces methane as it decomposes and when methane is released into the atmosphere, it contributes to global warming. However, methane is also the main component of natural gas.
RNG plants are able to capture the biogas (50% methane and 50% impurities) at the source before it escapes into the atmosphere. Then, the biogas is refined into pipeline quality natural gas and injected straight into the nation’s network of pipelines for distribution.
Heavy-duty vehicles represent approximately 23% of the GHG emissions in the U.S. As mentioned, such vehicles are difficult to electrify due to high costs, reduced payload capacity and limited range. RNG on the other hand, is able to perform similarly to traditional natural gas vehicles (NGVs) in terms of range, refueling time, and reliability. Cummins, one of the world’s top engine makers, recently unveiled a 15L natural gas engine designed for Class 8 trucks. Due to its long-range, fast refueling and compatibility with existing infrastructure, natural gas is ideal for trucking, school buses, municipal fleets, and waste collection vehicles. As with all natural gas engines, the X15N is compatible with RNG, meaning that this higher level of performance can be achieved with a clean fuel source.
Using domestic RNG as opposed to gasoline or diesel to power your fleet provides a low-emissions solution and reduces our nation’s dependence on foreign energy sources. RNG acts as a drop-in replacement for diesel with significantly lower lifecycle emissions. Heavy transportation and power generation carbon emissions can both be reduced by up to 400% when using RNG.
RNG is also more cost-effective than diesel and electric, generating substantial long-term savings on both fuel costs and maintenance. With RNG, organizations are not only achieving affordable and efficient energy use but also meeting sustainability goals while doing so.
Clean and renewable energy isn’t just about the future, it’s about the now, and RNG is making the biggest difference where it matters most: heavy-duty transportation. Producers and distributors nationwide are demonstrating how natural gas can power fleets today, generating the cost savings and environmental benefits that make RNG an efficient and reliable alternative fuel. RNG is creating new revenue streams, lowering emissions and fueling heavy-duty municipal and commercial fleets. With breakthroughs in engine technology and increased governmental support, this growing energy source is experiencing its largest boom so far. Fleet operators can explore RNG as a cost-effective way to decarbonize today.
Jorge Herrera, CEO and co-founder of Nopetro Energy, plans and directs the organization’s goals, strategies and business plan execution. Since its founding, he has led the Company’s rapid growth into a vertically integrated clean energy leader focused on global decarbonization through production and distribution of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Renewable Natural Gas (RNG), and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).
