Construction Begins on Egg Harbor Renewable Natural Gas Facility

On Oct 23, 2023

Construction has begun on a new renewable natural gas (RNG) production facility, named Atlantic RNG, located at the Atlantic County Utilities Authority’s solid waste landfill in Egg Harbor Township.

In conjunction with OPAL Fuels, South Jersey Indudstries (SJI) is developing the facility through its rapidly expanding subsidiary SJI Renewable Energy Ventures, which specializes in developing waste to energy projects throughout North America.

As part of its commitment to provide safe, reliable, affordable energy solutions, South Jersey Gas, an SJI subsidiary, will enter into an interconnection agreement to accept the RNG produced by Atlantic RNG. This initiative supports the circular economy model of production and consumption, which reuses and recycles waste into the energy we use every day.

“We have been working hard in recent years to enhance our infrastructure to deliver the fuels of the future,” said Brent Schomber, president of South Jersey Gas. “We are excited to work with ACUA, SJI Renewables, and OPAL Fuels as we celebrate a new milestone of adding RNG to our gas supply.”

“The groundbreaking of this renewable natural gas project signifies another milestone in our companies’ collective commitment to a sustainable energy future,” said Adam Comora, co-CEO of OPAL Fuels. “OPAL Fuels’ decades of experience in renewable energy production underpins our continued focus on our growth strategy of converting biogas resources into operating renewable energy projects. Together with SJI and ACUA, we will help bring more renewable fuel supply online and advance the clean energy transition.”

Atlantic RNG, which is expected to be operational in mid-2025, represents the first collaboration between the companies as part of their previously announced 50/50 joint venture to develop, construct, own and operate RNG facilities.

“We are thrilled to host this groundbreaking energy project at our Environmental Park in Egg Harbor Township,” said ACUA president Matthew DeNafo. “Our vision to efficiently reuse the gas generated at the landfill to power trucks, homes and businesses is now a reality thanks to the leadership and innovation demonstrated by the teams at ACUA, SJI and OPAL Fuels.”

RNG or biomethane is produced from a variety of sustainable biomass sources. Once processed, it is interchangeable as a carbon-neutral substitute for traditional natural gas and can be fed through the existing South Jersey Gas natural gas infrastructure without disturbing the distribution network already in place.

A ceremony to celebrate the commencement of construction of the Atlantic RNG project is expected in the fourth quarter of 2023. A media advisory with details will be distributed closer to the event.

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