Chesapeake Utilities Subsidiary Completes First Renewable Natural Gas Injections from Full Circle Dairy Facility in Florida

Rhea-AI Summary

Chesapeake Utilities announced the initial injections of renewable natural gas (RNG) at its Radio Avenue injection point in Yulee, Florida.

This milestone comes from its RNG facility at Full Circle Dairy in Madison County, operated by FPU Renewables, under Florida Public Utilities Company, both subsidiaries of Chesapeake Utilities.

In its first month, the facility captured and transported approximately 4,700 dekatherms of RNG. The project, which began in February 2023, represents a $22 million investment and aims to produce 100,000 dekatherms annually.

The facility captures methane from dairy manure, reducing greenhouse gases significantly, equivalent to removing over 6,000 gasoline-powered vehicles or the energy consumption of 3,500 homes annually.

Positive

• Chesapeake Utilities successfully injected 4,700 dekatherms of RNG in the first month.
• The Full Circle Dairy RNG facility represents a $22 million investment.
• The facility is expected to produce 100,000 dekatherms of RNG annually.
• Projected to reduce 1,116 metric tons of methane annually, equivalent to 27,900 metric tons of CO2.

Negative

• No significant negative business aspects reported.

Market Research Analyst

Chesapeake Utilities' venture into renewable natural gas (RNG) with its Full Circle Dairy facility marks a significant strategic move. The completion of this project signals the company’s commitment to sustainability and positions it well within the growing RNG market. RNG is produced from organic waste, such as dairy manure and offers a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional natural gas. This aligns with the increasing regulatory and market pressures to adopt greener energy solutions.

The initial production figures are promising, with approximately 4,700 dekatherms of RNG injected in the first month. The facility's expected annual output of 100,000 dekatherms, coupled with its methane reduction capabilities, highlights a strong environmental and operational potential. Utilizing the EPA's greenhouse gas equivalencies calculator, the methane reduction equates to significant CO2 savings, reinforcing the project's environmental impact.

From a market perspective, the investment of $22 million is substantial, but the long-term benefits could outweigh the initial costs. As the demand for RNG grows, particularly in regions with stringent environmental regulations, Chesapeake Utilities may see enhanced revenue streams and improved corporate responsibility ratings. This project not only diversifies their energy portfolio but also sets a precedent for future renewable energy investments within the company.

Financial Analyst

Financially, Chesapeake Utilities' RNG project represents a strategic allocation of resources towards a burgeoning segment of the energy market. The capital investment of $22 million in the Full Circle Dairy RNG facility is a significant commitment, underscoring the company’s confidence in the project's long-term viability. This facility’s ability to produce around 100,000 dekatherms annually translates to a reliable new revenue stream. Given current energy prices, this could potentially add substantial incremental revenue once the facility operates at full capacity.

Additionally, the project's environmental benefits, including capturing and redirecting 1,116 metric tons of methane annually, can bolster the company's ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) profile. For investors, ESG metrics are increasingly critical, influencing investment decisions and potentially leading to a higher valuation for companies with strong sustainability practices.

However, investors should remain cautious about the operational risks and potential maintenance costs associated with new technology implementations. The long-term financial success will depend on the facility's operational efficiency, market acceptance of RNG and potential regulatory incentives for renewable energy adoption.

DOVER, Del., June 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Chesapeake Utilities Corporation (NYSE: CPK) today announced the first injections of renewable natural gas (RNG) at its Radio Avenue injection point in Yulee, Florida, from the Company's RNG facility at Full Circle Dairy in Madison County. FPU Renewables, which constructed and operates the RNG facility, and its parent company, Florida Public Utilities Company, are subsidiaries of Chesapeake Utilities Corporation (Chesapeake Utilities).

The injections are part of the commissioning phase of the Company's first RNG development project, which included the construction and operation of a dairy manure-to-biogas RNG facility at Full Circle Dairy. The facility is now producing RNG, with the first deliveries and injections of captured RNG taking place earlier this month. The RNG is transported from the facility to the injection site by Chesapeake Utilities' subsidiary Marlin Gas Services, a provider of virtual pipeline solutions. To date, during the facility's first month of production, approximately 4,700 dekatherms of RNG have been captured and transported to the injection site.

"This RNG project builds upon Chesapeake Utilities' solid foundation, legacy assets and focus on operational excellence," said Justin Stankiewicz, general manager. "It highlights our ability to play a pivotal role in the entire RNG value chain, from production to transportation, injection, and finally, transmission and distribution of the pipeline quality gas." 

The RNG facility at Full Circle Dairy, which began construction in February 2023, captures and cleans methane from manure generated by dairy cows. The facility is expected to produce an average of 100,000 dekatherms annually and represents a capital investment of $22 million. The facility is projected to capture and redirect approximately 1,116 metric tons (mt) of methane per year, equivalent to 27,900 mt of carbon dioxide. Using the EPA greenhouse gas equivalencies calculator, this methane reduction equates to over 6,000 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles driven for one year and a CO2 emissions reduction equivalent to the annual energy consumption of more than 3,500 homes.

The fuel injection point in Yulee was constructed in 2023, and has been adapted to enable alternative fuels, such as RNG, to be delivered into the existing pipeline delivery system and support the growing demand for energy in Nassau County.

About Chesapeake Utilities Corporation

Chesapeake Utilities Corporation is a diversified energy delivery company, listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Chesapeake Utilities Corporation offers sustainable energy solutions through its natural gas transmission and distribution, electricity generation and distribution, propane gas distribution, mobile compressed natural gas utility services and solutions, and other businesses.

Please note that Chesapeake Utilities Corporation is not affiliated with Chesapeake Energy, an oil and natural gas exploration company headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

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SOURCE Chesapeake Utilities Corporation

FAQ

What is Chesapeake Utilities' new renewable natural gas project?

Chesapeake Utilities launched its first RNG project involving the injection of RNG at its Radio Avenue injection point in Yulee, Florida, from its Full Circle Dairy facility.

How much RNG was injected in the first month by Chesapeake Utilities?

In the first month, Chesapeake Utilities injected approximately 4,700 dekatherms of RNG.

What is the annual production target for Chesapeake Utilities' RNG facility?

The facility is expected to produce an average of 100,000 dekatherms of RNG annually.

What is the environmental impact of Chesapeake Utilities' RNG project?

The project is projected to capture and redirect approximately 1,116 metric tons of methane annually, equivalent to 27,900 metric tons of carbon dioxide, reducing greenhouse gases significantly.

What is the investment in Chesapeake Utilities' RNG facility at Full Circle Dairy?

The RNG facility at Full Circle Dairy represents a capital investment of $22 million.