Nopetro cuts ribbon on Florida landfill gas facility

Miami-based Nopetro Energy has opened its $40 million landfill gas-to-renewable natural gas (RNG) production facility in Vero Beach, Florida.

The RNG in Vero Beach is being produced by capturing and removing methane gas from the Indian River County landfill, which also is in Vero Beach. The captured biogas undergoes a purification process before being injected into the existing natural gas pipeline infrastructure of Doral City, Florida-based utility Florida City Gas.

Nopetro says RNG is fully interchangeable with conventional natural gas and can be seamlessly distributed to customers, “creating domestic, affordable and cleaner fuel for buses and trucks while creating cleaner air for the community.”

“Opening this facility is a major step, not just for Nopetro’s growing natural gas production and distribution network, but for Indian River County,” Nopetro Energy CEO Jorge Herrera says. “We believe in building facilities that support and give back to the cities where they stand. This Vero Beach RNG facility is a catalyst for continued growth, resilience and energy independence, creating opportunities for families and businesses across the Treasure Coast.”

In its first few weeks of operation, Nopetro says the new facility has removed CO₂ to purify the biogas to 95 percent or more methane, exceeding a 90 percent standard for fueling local homes, vehicles and businesses with RNG.

“This partnership highlights the value of working with the private sector to bring innovation and investment to Indian River County,” Indian River County Commission Chair Joseph Flescher says. “It’s a responsible use of resources that supports local families, strengthens our economy and ensures access to dependable energy."

The Vero Beach facility was constructed in partnership with Middleton, Wisconsin-based engineering, procurement and construction services firm Mead & Hunt.

In addition to its production arm, Nopetro operates 13 RNG fueling facilities in Florida, tapping into its natural gas feedstock at landfills and wastewater treatment plants.