Listen to this article
The basics:
The launch of a new renewable natural gas facility marks a major clean energy milestone in South Jersey.
A partnership among Opal Fuels, South Jersey Industries and the Atlantic County Utilities Authority developed the project. According to an Oct. 6 announcement, the RNG facility is now fully operational at the ACUA landfill in Egg Harbor Township. It marks a first-of-its-kind renewable energy development for the region.
Located on ACUA’s solid waste landfill site, the facility captures methane gas generated from decomposing waste and refines it into renewable natural gas. It not only cuts greenhouse gas emissions but also turns what was once waste into a sustainable source of local energy.
The facility has a nameplate capacity of 2,500 standard cubic feet per minute of landfill gas. It is expected to produce more than 650,000 MMBtu annually — the equivalent of more than 4.6 million gallons of gasoline each year. The facility will distribute the fuel into the South Jersey Gas pipeline system, a subsidiary of SJI.
This marks the company’s first RNG project to deliver renewable fuel directly into its network.
First, not last
“We are thrilled to cut the ribbon on this project, which signifies another significant milestone for SJI,” said Chet Benham, president of SJI Renewable Energy Ventures.
“The launch of this facility marks an important milestone in Opal Fuels’ mission of turning waste into clean, domestic energy,” said Opal Fuels co-CEO Adam Comora. “This project reduces emissions, improves local air quality, creates jobs, and strengthens American energy independence.”
“ACUA is proud to continue its long history of innovation by becoming the first public solid waste facility in New Jersey to host an RNG project,” said ACUA President Matthew DeNafo. “Because of the shared environmental leadership among OPAL, SJI and ACUA, landfill gas is now a renewable energy source for our community.”
Benham added, “This project underscores our commitment to innovation and continuing efforts in renewable energy solutions.”
This project underscores our commitment to innovation and continuing efforts in renewable energy solutions.
— Chet Benham, president, SJI Renewable Energy Ventures
The Egg Harbor Township project is the first completed initiative under the joint venture between Opal Fuels and SJI. The collaboration aims to develop, construct and operate RNG facilities across the region.
The companies have also already announced a second planned collaboration: the Burlington RNG Facility in Florence Township.
“As we drive forward with a focus on strategic growth and operational excellence, this project serves as an example of how every landfill can benefit from producing RNG by generating financial value, cutting methane emissions, and displacing diesel to decarbonize transportation,” said Comora.
The project partners expect to hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Egg Harbor Township RNG facility later this month.
