Renewable Solutions Group And Republic Services Of Georgia To Convert LFG To Clean Energy
New Facility Anticipated to be First High BTU Project Commissioned in Georgia
Winder, GA — Renewable Solutions Group recently announced an alliance with Republic Services Inc. to build a purification process facility that will convert landfill gas ("LFG") to pipeline-quality gas ("High Btu") for use as an energy source for homes and businesses in Georgia.
This project adds to Republic Services' "Clean and Reliable Energy"™ (C.A.R.E.™) program to ensure supplies of clean energy for the future and reduce society's dependency on foreign oil. Renewable Solutions Group pioneered the design and development of the first High Btu LFG projects employing membrane-based separation technology in North America and will now be the first to bring this state-of-the-art technology to Georgia.
Republic Services, a leading provider of environmental services, uses innovative technologies to capture and use renewable energy from decomposing waste in landfills. "We are aggressively seeking to initiate landfill gas-to-energy projects at many of our locations," said Mike Cordesman, President and Chief Operating Officer for Republic Services, Inc. "We realize the environmental and economic value of these types of projects and we are actively engaged in identifying partners to develop creative and innovative uses for the methane that is produced in landfills."
Additionally, area residents will benefit from the positive environmental impact. "This facility provides clean, reliable and efficient energy for area residents that will significantly improve regional air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions that impact climate change," said David Wentworth, president of Renewable Solutions Group. "We are very excited about teaming with Republic Services for what is anticipated to be the first High Btu project to be commissioned in Georgia."
LFG, which is created when organic material in a municipal solid waste landfill decomposes, consists of about 50% methane (CH4), which as a greenhouse gas is 23 times more potent than carbon dioxide. The LFG from the Oak Grove Landfill will be collected, processed and converted into pipeline-quality natural gas.
The finished gas will be injected into a nearby natural gas pipeline that will supply fuel to the Cities of Winder and Buford, Georgia. Gas is then distributed to thousands of homeowners and commercial establishments.
"We look forward to working with Republic Services, the Cities of Buford and Winder, and Renewable Solutions Group to bring this competitively priced, unconventional and renewable source of natural gas to our members for many years to come," said Arthur Corbin, CEO of the Municipal Gas Authority of Georgia.
Construction on the project began in February and the facility is expected to be operational in 4Q 2008. The facility will afford area residents with minimum sensory impact (no odor or visible emissions, a low building profile, no exposed process equipment, minimal noise) making it compatible with any population density.
Renewable Solutions Group ensures its High Btu facility is so low in air emissions impact, it requires only a state-level air permit (with a Title V Operating Permit), but can produce sales gas up to 2,250 MMBtu per day. The Oak Grove project will produce about 1.0 Bcf (1 million MMBtu) per year.
Emission Reductions for a typical RENEWABLE High Btu Project (1,000,000 MMBtu/Year):
- NOx -- 17 tons/year
- Carbon Dioxide -- 45,000 tons/year
- REC Potential -- 75,000 MWh/year
SOURCE: Renewable Solutions Group