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The Cape May County Municipal Utilities Authority has partnered with Waga Energy to develop a renewable natural gas production facility. The new RNG will rise at the county’s Secure Sanitary Landfill near Woodbine and Upper Township.

Waga Energy will build, own and operate a unit using its proprietary WAGABOX technology to convert landfill gas into pipeline-quality RNG. After, the output will get injected into the local gas network under a 20-year contract.

The system will process up to 1,000 standard cubic feet per minute of landfill gas. It will produce about 205,000 MMBtu of RNG annually.

The landfill serves all 16 municipalities in Cape May County. The area has a year-round population of about 98,000, but swells to more than 750,000 during the busy summer tourism season.

The project expects to reduce up to 15,800 metric tons of CO₂ equivalent emissions each year — roughly equal to eliminating emissions from about 1.5 million gallons of diesel. It also supports renewable energy production as well as the circular economy.

The project has been a goal for the authority for several years. Officials say it will improve long-term landfill gas management. It will also support investment in the landfill’s gas collection system as it continues operating.

The perfect fit

“The CMCMUA is advancing its commitment to the beneficial use of landfill gas by partnering with Waga Energy, Inc. and integrating their WAGABOX technology,” said Joseph Rizzuto, executive director of CMCMUA. “This collaboration is a perfect fit for the CMCMUA’s Vision of actively pursuing and implementing innovative and environmentally sustainable solid waste systems.”

Company officials said the project will also help reduce local emissions and improve air quality.

“We are proud to partner with the Cape May County Municipal Utilities Authority on our first WAGABOX project in New Jersey, an initiative leading the way in renewable energy production for the state,” said Guénaël Prince, co-founder and CEO, Waga Energy Inc. “This project will reduce local emissions, improve air quality, and support the circular economy. We look forward to partnering with the CMCMUA to bring this project to life.”

Secure Sanitary Landfill, Cape May County: