Ameresco and Republic Services Achieve Milestone with New Renewable Natural Gas Facility in Illinois

Ameresco, a leading energy solutions provider, in partnership with Republic Services, has announced the commercial operation of a new renewable natural gas (RNG) facility at the Lee County Landfill in Dixon, Illinois. This facility represents the 15th successful collaboration between the two companies in developing renewable energy projects, with several more in the pipeline. The RNG produced is now being injected into a natural gas transmission pipeline, showcasing a significant step forward in sustainable energy production.

The Lee County facility is designed to process 4,500 standard cubic feet per minute of raw landfill gas, converting it into pipeline-quality RNG. This process not only provides a low-carbon transportation fuel but also significantly reduces the environmental impact by preventing the flaring of gas. Projections indicate that the facility will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by over 61,000 metric tons annually, equivalent to the emissions from more than 70,000,000 gallons of gasoline or approximately 1,500,000 barrels of oil.

Tim Oudman, Republic Services Senior Vice President of Sustainability Innovations, highlighted the project's alignment with the company's commitment to sustainability and decarbonization. Similarly, Michael Bakas, President of Renewable Fuels at Ameresco, emphasized the role of such projects in advancing the circular economy and supporting local communities through meaningful investments.

This initiative is in line with Illinois' ambitious renewable energy targets, aiming for 40% renewable energy by 2030 and 100% clean energy by 2050. Republic Services has also set a goal to beneficially reuse over 50% of the biogas at its locations by 2030, further underscoring the importance of the Lee County facility in achieving these objectives.

U.S. Energy, the exclusive buyer of the RNG produced at the facility, plays a crucial role in the supply chain, offering a clean, renewable fuel option to fleets and organizations committed to sustainability. For more information on Ameresco's renewable fuel solutions, visit https://www.ameresco.com/renewable-natural-gas.

The successful launch of the Lee County RNG facility not only marks a significant achievement in renewable energy production but also demonstrates the potential for landfill gas to be transformed into a valuable resource, contributing to a more sustainable and energy-independent future.