Jay Brister is the Operations Lead at Blue Sky Nuclear.
For the latest entry in Astute People Inc.’s People Powered Profile series, Jay Brister spoke with Dan Bisset, VP – North America, about his diverse career, the evolving RNG (Renewable Natural Gas) sector, and the challenges and opportunities in the energy industry.
Can you tell us about your career journey so far?
I’ve had a diverse career spanning over 17 years, starting in manufacturing for hotel signage, followed by work for a defense contractor producing ballistic windshields and military vehicle components. My experience grew as I transitioned into warehouse and distribution roles, where I focused on continuous improvement and business system development.
From there, I moved into mining equipment manufacturing and later spent six years in the water industry, holding roles in continuous improvement, service support, and supply chain management for hazardous carbon reactivation facilities. My work also intersected with the nuclear sector, dealing with powdered resin markets for water filtration.
Most recently, I worked in the RNG sector, running operations for a company focused on landfill gas and dairy farm gas conversion to renewable energy. Across these industries, I’ve been driven by the challenge of operational excellence and innovation.
What innovations and trends have you observed in the RNG sector?
The RNG sector is evolving rapidly, with a focus on turning waste gases—like CO2, hydrogen, and nitrogen—into valuable by-products. Methane capture is well established, but companies are now exploring how to leverage the remaining 30% of extracted gas.
For example, I was part of a project that partnered with a European company to convert CO2 into e-fuel. These secondary revenue streams are gaining traction, and I believe they represent the next big growth opportunity for the RNG industry.
Another trend is scaling down the size of RNG plants to make them more affordable and accessible. Moving from large, capital-intensive facilities to compact, efficient designs could transform the market, making RNG solutions viable for smaller operations.
What challenges does the RNG industry face in the coming years?
The RNG industry is politically sensitive, with shifting regulations influencing adoption rates. However, the fundamental appeal of converting waste into fuel remains strong, regardless of political outlook.
Key challenges include the high capital costs of establishing RNG plants and the need for innovation to lower these costs.
Additionally, there’s a talent shortage, particularly in skilled operations roles. Many RNG facilities are located in remote, agricultural areas, making it difficult to find operators with the right industrial expertise.
Bridging the gap between agricultural and industrial skill sets will be critical.
How can the industry attract more talent?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that working in RNG means dealing with unpleasant odors because of the association with landfills. In reality, modern RNG facilities are industrial environments, and if you smell something, it usually indicates a problem.
RNG needs better branding as a career path. Compared to solar or wind, which are perceived as straightforward and clean, RNG may seem more complex. However, it’s not vastly different from other chemical processing environments. Emphasizing its innovative and impactful nature can make RNG more appealing to job seekers.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I’d tell my younger self to embrace the growth opportunities in emerging industries like RNG. This is a field with immense potential, comparable to the early days of the oil industry.
There’s a rich environment for innovation, especially in auxiliary areas like waste gas treatment. The RNG sector is poised for consolidation and technological breakthroughs, making it an exciting time for problem-solvers and visionaries to enter the field.
Interested in sharing your insights for Astute’s People Powered Profile series?
If you’d like to take part in Astute’s People Powered Profile series, get in touch with Dan Bisset today.
