SIOUX FALLS — NorthWestern Energy’s natural gas system is now delivering renewable natural gas to homes, businesses and manufacturers in the Brookings area.

NorthWestern Energy will accept about 700,000 dekatherms annually of renewable natural gas originating from area dairy operations at a new interconnect facility north of Brookings.

“700,000 dekatherms would serve roughly 10,000 residential customers annually,” said NorthWestern Energy Director Transmission and Distribution Business Development & Strategic Support Reed McKee. “This addition of renewable natural gas is attractive to large industrial users reviewing future growth in the area.”

The renewable natural gas is tested for quality and BTU content, verifying it meets the requirements for standard pipeline quality natural gas.

Renewable natural gas is a carbon-negative fuel, capturing methane that would otherwise be emitted into the atmosphere. It is a part of NorthWestern Energy’s Net Zero by 2050 Vision and an economic development tool for South Dakota.

“We are proud to be at the forefront of using renewable natural gas, at no additional cost for our customers, in South Dakota,” said NorthWestern Energy President and Chief Executive Officer Brian Bird. “Renewable natural gas contributes to our sustainable future, provides opportunities for local agriculture businesses and is part of NorthWestern Energy’s net zero plan.”

NorthWestern Energy and its partners expect to bring five more renewable natural gas projects online in South Dakota this year.