Waga Energy and Steuben County Commence RNG Production at the Bath Landfill in New York
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Insights
The recent commencement of operations of the WAGABOX® unit in Steuben County, New York, represents a significant step in the deployment of renewable energy solutions in the waste management sector. This project, by converting landfill gas into Renewable Natural Gas (RNG), aligns with broader economic trends favoring sustainable and environmentally friendly energy sources. From an environmental economics perspective, the project's ability to provide clean energy to approximately 4,000 households and its estimated avoidance of 13,500 tons of CO2 equivalent emissions per year is a noteworthy contribution to local and national environmental goals.
Furthermore, the partnership between Waga Energy and Steuben County underlines the growing trend of public-private collaborations in environmental initiatives. The revenue-sharing agreement could serve as a model for future projects, incentivizing municipalities to consider similar arrangements. The long-term economic benefits of this project are not limited to energy production but also include potential job creation, waste management efficiency and the fostering of innovative technologies in the market.
Waga Energy's operation of the WAGABOX® unit under a 20-year agreement with Steuben County is a strategic move for the company, indicating a long-term commitment to the U.S. market. The projected annual delivery of up to 207,000 MMBtu of RNG is a modest yet meaningful addition to the energy mix in the region. It is essential to note that the RNG market is still emerging and projects like these contribute to the diversification of energy sources, potentially impacting natural gas prices and the energy sector's dynamics.
Waga Energy's expansion, with 20 units worldwide and 14 more under construction, suggests confidence in the scalability and demand for their technology. Investors should monitor the company's ability to secure additional contracts and maintain operational excellence. The success of the Steuben County project could serve as a catalyst for further adoption of RNG technologies, potentially influencing Waga Energy's stock performance and the RNG sector's growth trajectory.
The WAGABOX® technology's use of cryogenics to upgrade landfill gas into RNG is a noteworthy innovation in the renewable energy sector. By addressing landfill gas variations in flow rate and nitrogen concentration, Waga Energy has potentially overcome a significant barrier to RNG production. This technological advancement could set a new standard for RNG projects, especially in terms of efficiency and adaptability to different landfill profiles.
As the first municipality in the United States to utilize this technology, Steuben County may become a benchmark for other municipalities considering similar projects. The technology's ability to produce pipeline-quality RNG regardless of landfill gas inconsistencies could prove to be a game-changer, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting sustainable waste management practices.
EYBENS, FRANCE / ACCESSWIRE / March 18, 2024 / Waga Energy (EPA:WAGA), a global expert in the production of Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) from landfills, and Steuben County, a county covering 1,397 square miles with a population of approximately 94,000, are producing renewable natural gas (RNG) at the Steuben County Landfill in Bath, New York. The RNG is delivered into the Corning Natural Gas system.
The WAGABOX® unit at the Bath Landfill in Steuben County, NY, has commenced operations on March 15th and will deliver up to 207,000 MMBtu (60 GWh) of RNG annually into the Corning Natural Gas network. The RNG produced replaces fossil derived fuels and is supplying the equivalent of 4,000 households annually with clean, local, and renewable energy, avoiding an estimated 13,500 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions per year. Corning Natural Gas, the local gas utility servicing the region, constructed the gas interconnect for this project and will accept the gas produced in its existing gas distribution system.
Steuben County is the first municipality in the United States to utilize Waga Energy's WAGABOX® facility to upgrade its landfill gas into RNG. A result of 15 years of development, the WAGABOX® technology revolutionizes landfill gas upgrading through cryogenics. It maximizes the renewable energy production of landfills by producing pipeline-quality RNG, regardless of the landfill gas variations in flow rate and nitrogen concentration. Waga Energy now operates 20 WAGABOX® units worldwide with 14 more under construction.
Waga Energy will operate and maintain the WAGABOX® unit under a 20-year landfill gas rights agreement with Steuben County. The project will generate revenues by selling RNG to a private offtaker through a purchase agreement. The revenue generated will be shared with the county.
The municipal solid waste landfill in Bath is authorized to dispose of 280,000 tons of waste per year. In July 2020, the County solicited proposals for a landfill gas utilization project. Waga Energy was selected as the preferred developer for the RNG project and has fully delivered on the project.
Christopher Brewer, Deputy County Manager of Steuben County, said: "We are excited to partner with Waga Energy to develop this renewable natural gas project. This is a wonderful example of a Public-Private endeavor that provides significant environmental benefits to the citizens of Steuben County."
Guénaël Prince, CEO of Waga Energy Inc. (USA), said: "The commissioning of the WAGABOX® unit at the Steuben County Landfill is a major milestone in the deployment of our solution in the United States, and a further step towards decarbonization. As the first commissioning unit in the United States, we are appreciative of Steuben County's trust in Waga Energy to be selected for this project. We commend Steuben County for being innovative, and the first county in the United States to adopt our breakthrough technology."
Mike German, CEO of Corning Natural Gas, said: "Our company is pleased to accept renewable natural gas into our distribution system and partner with Waga Energy and Steuben County on this project. Without innovative energy projects like these, landfill gas would otherwise be wasted or vented to the atmosphere. Corning is very excited to do our part in moving towards reducing our carbon footprint and a more sustainable future."
About Steuben County
Established March 18, 1796, Steuben County covers 1,397 square miles with a population of approximately 94,000 people living in rural agricultural areas, quaint small towns, and small city communities. (steubencony.org)
About Waga Energy
Waga Energy (EPA: WAGA) produces competitively priced Renewable Natural Gas by upgrading landfill gas using a patented purification technology called WAGABOX®. The RNG produced is injected directly into the gas distribution networks that supply individuals and businesses, providing a substitute for natural gas. Waga Energy finances, builds, and operates its WAGABOX® units under long-term contracts with landfill operators for the supply of raw gas, and generates income by selling the RNG it produces. WagaEnergy owns and operates twenty-one WAGABOX® units in France, Spain, and Canada, representing an installed capacity of 2,490,000 MMBtu (730 GWh/y). Fourteen units are under construction in France, Canada, and the US. Each project initiated by Waga Energy contributes to the fight against global warming and helps the energy transition.
About Corning Natural Gas
Established in 1904, Corning Natural Gas Corporation is a local, natural gas distribution company with 425 miles of mains that sells or transports natural gas to approximately 15,000 customers. Gas deliveries are made across 23 towns and villages, over 400 square miles, throughout the Southern Tier and Central regions of New York State. CNGC prioritizes safety, reliability, and superior customer service. They continue to be the focus of management and employees as they work each day to improve the value provided for their customers.
| Press contacts | |||
Waga Energy Laurent Barbotin | Waga Energy Alicia Fanni | Steuben County Christopher Brewer | Corning Natural Gas Mike German |
SOURCE: Waga Energy
View the original press release on accesswire.com
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