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The basics:

• SJI, OPAL Fuels open first-of-its-kind RNG facility at ACUA landfill
• Plant delivers renewable natural gas to South Jersey Gas pipelines for first time
• Facility will produce 650,000 MMBtu of RNG annually, equivalent to 4.6M gallons of gasoline
• Reduces over 346,000 metric tons of carbon emissions each year

SJI and OPAL Fuels held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Oct. 23 for a first-of-its-kind renewable natural gas project at the Atlantic County Utilities Authority landfill in Egg Harbor Township.

The celebration follows an announcement earlier this month that the facility is fully operational, which NJBIZ reported on.

The RNG plant captures and processes landfill gas into a renewable, lower-carbon fuel alternative to diesel and conventional natural gas. The facility then injects the fuel into the South Jersey Gas pipeline system — the first such delivery in the utility’s history.

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

Second collab in the works

The facility represents a major advancement of the partnership between SJI and OPAL Fuels. The collaborators developed a 50/50 joint venture to construct and operate RNG plants. Since, the two companies have announced a second planned collaboration: the Burlington RNG Facility in Florence Township.

“The opening of this facility marks an important milestone in OPAL Fuels’ mission of turning waste into clean, domestic energy,” said Adam Comora, co-CEO of OPAL Fuels. “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 landfills can benefit from producing RNG by generating financial value, cutting methane emissions, and displacing diesel to decarbonize transportation.”

From waste to resource

The design of the ACUA should produce a nameplate capacity of 2,500 standard cubic feet per minute (SCFM) of landfill gas. It will produce more than 650,000 MMBtu of RNG annually — equivalent to nearly 4.6 million gallons of gasoline.

The renewable gas will be used as transportation fuel as well as for direct energy delivery via the South Jersey Gas pipelines. This marks the first time RNG is offered to supply energy to homes and business in the South Jersey Gas territory.

In addition to its economic and energy benefits, the project carries significant environmental value. It reduces methane emissions from the landfill and also avoids over 346,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year.

“ACUA has consistently demonstrated its commitment to exploring and implementing technologies that transform waste into a resource and improve our environment,” said ACUA President Matthew DeNafo. “This project embodies that commitment, and we’re happy to celebrate its opening alongside our wonderful partners OPAL and SJI.”