Rumpke landfills fuel new modular RNG plants from Archaea
By capturing landfill gas, the two facilities can produce enough gas to heat roughly 25,238 homes annually
Archaea Energy celebrates the startup of two new renewable natural gas (RNG) plants, built using Archaea's Modular Design (AMD) technology, in Wellston and Waverly, Ohio.
The milestone was marked with a ribbon cutting at each plant. Located approximately 40 minutes apart, the plants are adjacent to the Beech Hollow Landfill and Pike Sanitation Landfill, both owned by Rumpke Waste and Recycling.
Creating power by harnessing a natural byproduct
Landfill gas, a natural byproduct of the decomposition of waste in landfills, is a form of greenhouse gas. Using the AMD process, the Beech Hollow and Pike County plants capture the gas from Rumpke's landfills and convert it to renewable natural gas, which can lead to cleaner air, less odour, and more sustainable energy when compared with traditional fossil fuel energy, according to the U.S. EPA.
The two landfills combined can process 6,200 cubic feet of landfill gas per minute (scfm) into RNG, enough gas to heat around 25,238 homes annually, according to the EPA's Landfill Gas Energy Benefits Calculator. The Beech Hollow Landfill can process 3,200 scfm, and the Pike Sanitation Landfill can process 2,000 scfm.
Traditionally, RNG plants have been custom-built, but the AMD allows plants to be built on skids with interchangeable components. Using a standardized modular design can lead to a faster build than previous industry standards.
"The opening of these two plants marks a significant milestone for not only us, but for the Buckeye state and its communities to drive change for a healthier environment," said Craig Marcum, vice president of operations for Archaea Energy. " This is just the beginning of our efforts to scale innovative technologies that create a more sustainable future."
"Rumpke has been investing in green technology at our landfills since 1986, and continues to look for innovative ways to increase sustainability," said Andy Rumpke, area president, Rumpke. "The Beech Hollow and Pike Sanitation Landfill projects add to our 14 total gas-to-energy plants at our regional landfills. This plant will provide our Southern Ohio customers assurance that their waste is not only being properly managed, but beneficially reused."
