November 2024 Vol. 79 No. 11
Features
California's largest RNG plant opens, transforming landfill gas into clean energy
Ameresco, Republic Services and PG&E have officially opened California's largest landfill gas to renewable natural gas (RNG) plant at the Keller Canyon Landfill in Pittsburg, Calif.
This first-of-its-kind facility in the U.S. is powered by a co-located landfill gas-to-electricity plant and represents a significant milestone in renewable energy production.
The Keller Canyon RNG plant can process 4,500 standard cubic feet of landfill gas per minute and is designed to reduce annual carbon emissions by approximately 62,000 metric tons. This reduction is equivalent to taking 30,000 cars off the road or displacing the use of 7.5 million gallons of diesel fuel. The project supports California’s goal of achieving 60 percent renewable energy by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2045. Additionally, it aligns with Republic Services’ commitment to beneficially reuse 50 percent more of their biogas by 2030.
This facility marks the first RNG interconnection from a landfill gas project for PG&E, with a capacity to deliver approximately 1 billion cubic feet (BCF) of RNG annually into PG&E's gas pipeline system.
“This innovative project shows the power of long-term partnerships, such as our almost 22-year collaboration with Republic Services,” said Mike Bakas, executive vice president of Ameresco. “Together, we’re turning waste into a clean energy resource that cuts emissions and reduces our reliance on fossil fuels. Instead of drilling for more natural gas, we’re using landfill gas that’s already in the environment and putting it to work. Supported by an adjacent green electric supply, this clean energy center incorporates a level of resiliency not seen by most renewable energy projects.”
The Keller Canyon plant underscores Ameresco, Republic Services, and PG&E’s commitment to innovative renewable energy solutions. By leveraging underutilized technologies like RNG, Ameresco provides sustainable solutions that replace traditional fossil fuels and aid in the transition to cleaner energy.
“Republic Services is investing in sustainability innovation to provide decarbonization solutions, and the Keller Canyon RNG project with Ameresco is a prime example. Together, we’re creating clean energy for California and helping create a more sustainable world,” stated Republic Services’ Senior Vice President, Tim Oudman.
PG&E is actively supporting these collaborative efforts to decarbonize by 2040, benefiting customers and the broader community. “PG&E remains committed to achieving a clean, decarbonized net-zero energy system by 2040. Partnerships with other change-makers like Ameresco and Republic Services are critical to this effort. We are excited to join with them to exponentially increase the volume of clean, California-produced RNG flowing through PG&E’s pipeline system,” said PG&E Gas Engineering Vice President Austin Hastings.
In addition to its environmental benefits, the Keller Canyon RNG plant has created more than 80 construction jobs and is expected to sustain over 25 operational jobs, contributing to the local economy in Contra Costa County. The plant began commercial operations in July 2024 and is now fully operational, marking a new chapter in renewable energy utilization in the region.
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