Our innovation, research and development leadership and partnerships are instrumental in helping us drive advancements that can bolster our long-term objective of advancing decarbonization.
The path to decarbonization requires research, development and innovation in the energy sector. Our cross-functional Fueling the Future of Innovation Council engages employees in training, ideation and other improvement challenges to creatively drive sustainability results and solve business problems. In addition to our company-led efforts, we also engage in meaningful partnerships to advance clean energy and climate technology.
Smart Neighborhood™
Habitat for Humanity and Nicor Gas are joining together with a common vision of freedom, resiliency and affordability to build two Smart Neighborhoods™. Together, they are helping shape the future of sustainable living with homes designed for Illinois’ cold climate and will showcase how energy efficiency, renewables and smart technologies help keep energy costs low and improve resiliency.
Learn more: Nicor Gas Smart Neighborhood - Making sustainable living affordable
Investing in Technology
Leak Detection and Repair
Our proactive approach to leak detection employs advanced leak detection technologies such as drones, stationary monitors and artificial intelligence-enabled cloud computing platforms like Urbint. Through our parent company Southern Company Gas, we are a sponsor of GTI Energy’s Veritas effort aimed at creating technical protocols to assist in developing measurement-informed emission inventories. Leak detection and repairs are critical to reaching our sustainability goals and keeping our communities and team members safe.
Cross Compression
Advancing decarbonization requires innovation at every step of our operations. We use cross compression technology to capture and reuse natural gas during maintenance activities—preventing gas loss and improving efficiency. This approach helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions while providing a safe, reliable and scalable alternative to venting or flaring.
Explore More
-
Southern Company Gas engaged ICF to analyze how it can develop a pathway for decarbonization of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from its operations.
Learn More -
Virginia Natural Gas is embracing technology and will be using aerial drones as another means to perform equipment inspections on its pipeline infrastructure.
Learn More -
Nicor Energy Ventures announces $100,000 investment in two mHUB climate and energy tech accelerator startups.
Learn More