New Jersey RNG facility begins commercial operation

A renewable natural gas (RNG) facility in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, has achieved commercial operation. Located at the Atlantic County Utilities Authority’s (ACUA) solid waste landfill, the facility is a collaboration between ACUA, Opal Fuels and South Jersey Industries (SJI).

“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,” ACUA President Matthew DeNafo says. “Because of the shared environmental leadership among Opal, SJI and ACUA, landfill gas is now a renewable energy source for our community.”

The facility will capture and process landfill gas into RNG with a nameplate capacity of 2,500 SCFM of landfill gas. It is anticipated to produce more than 650,000 MMBtu of RNG, or over a 4.6 million gasoline gallon equivalent per year.

The project also represents the first collaboration between Opal Fuels of White Plains, New York, and SJI of Folsom, New Jersey, as part of a 50/50 joint venture to develop, construct, own and operate RNG facilities. It is the first project to deliver RNG into the pipeline system of South Jersey Gas, a subsidiary of SJI.

A facility in Florence Township, New Jersey, will serve as the second collaboration between the companies.

“The launch of this facility marks an important milestone in Opal Fuels’ mission of turning waste into clean, domestic energy,” Opal Fuels co-CEO Adam Comora says. “This project reduces emissions, improves local air quality, creates jobs, and strengthens American energy independence. 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.”

The companies anticipate an official ribbon-cutting ceremony at the facility in October.

“We are thrilled to cut the ribbon on this project, which signifies another significant milestone for SJI,” SJI Renewable Energy Ventures President Chet Benham says. “This project underscores our commitment to innovation and continuing efforts in renewable energy solutions.”