SAFE and the Future of Renewable Gas (RNG)
As global energy demand increases, renewable natural gas (RNG) has become a cornerstone in the shift to cleaner fuels. Produced from organic waste, including agricultural residues, municipal waste, and animal manure, RNG offers dual benefits: reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting sustainability goals in key sectors such as transportation, industry, and services. In 2024, North America and Europe led RNG production, with significant year-on-year growth.
2024 Summary and Future Market Trends
In 2024, global RNG production capacity has increased, with landfill biogas and agricultural waste serving as primary feedstocks. Investment, particularly in North America, has been supported by initiatives such as the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, which has incentivized clean energy projects. By 2025, annual production in North America alone is expected to grow by more than 20 percent, with global production set to exceed 4 billion cubic feet per day by 2050. This expansion is driven by increased RNG adoption in transportation and utility efforts to meet ambitious decarbonization goals. However, challenges such as high production costs and infrastructure gaps still need to be addressed to ensure wider adoption.
In Europe, RNG or biomethane markets have shown different trends influenced by local financing and subsidies. In Italy, SAFE has emerged as a leader, providing more than 10 customers with customized solutions and commissioning nearly 30 boosters for grid injection applications in 2024. These results translated into a remarkable 40 percent growth over the previous year. SAFE plans to double its delivered compressors by 2025, building on this momentum and targeting 60 units.
SAFE: Excellence in biomethane compression
As RNG markets evolve, SAFE remains at the forefront, offering innovative solutions tailored for biomethane compression. With five decades of experience, SAFE technology meets a wide range of RNG project needs, from small installations to large industrial operations. Known for reliability, efficiency and adaptability, SAFE compressors are a reliable choice for upgrading biogas to pipeline-quality RNG.
SAFE’s product range includes advanced gas processing systems designed to ensure optimal performance and compliance with stringent environmental standards, including oil-free requirements. Working closely with customers, SAFE offers customized solutions that integrate seamlessly into existing infrastructure, minimizing downtime and maximizing return on investment.
In its commitment to sustainability, SAFE continues to improve energy efficiency without compromising performance. For example, it offers optional IE4 electric motors to reduce energy consumption. In addition, SAFE has developed an advanced in-house selection tool to provide high-quality support and well-documented design solutions.
With its experience and technical capabilities, SAFE can offer high availability to maintain uninterrupted operation, which is critical for biomethane plants. The ability to operate efficiently at both full and partial capacity provides the flexibility to meet varying production conditions. Adherence to high safety standards minimizes operational risks, ensuring the protection of personnel and infrastructure. Together, these features improve the reliability, adaptability, and long-term sustainability of the plant.
Pioneering the energy transition
Looking to the future, SAFE is committed to advancing the global energy transition. With a strong focus on sustainability, the company invests in cutting-edge technologies to support the decarbonization of energy systems. Whether through strategic partnerships or research and development, SAFE is shaping the future of biomethane compression by strengthening its leading position in the RNG market.
Through its extensive network of authorized service centers, SAFE provides full support to every site operating in the territory, both with availability of spare parts and specially trained technicians.
By continuously innovating and adapting to market needs, SAFE ensures that its solutions remain at the forefront of the energy transition, paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future.
