Ameresco, Inc. (NYSE: AMRC), a leading cleantech integrator in energy efficiency and renewable energy, along with Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE: RSG) and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) (NYSE: PCG), has inaugurated California’s largest landfill gas (LFG) to renewable natural gas (RNG) plant at the Keller Canyon Landfill in Pittsburg, CA. This groundbreaking facility, the first of its kind in the U.S., is powered by a uniquely designed co-located LFG-to-Electric Plant, marking a significant step in renewable energy production by converting landfill gas into clean RNG, thus greatly reducing regional greenhouse gas emissions.
The plant has the capacity to process 4,500 standard cubic feet of landfill gas per minute, aiming to cut annual carbon emissions by around 62,000 metric tons—equivalent to removing 30,000 cars from the road or displacing 7.5 million gallons of diesel fuel. This initiative supports California’s goal of achieving 60% renewable energy by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2045, while also furthering Republic Services’ commitment to enhance biogas reuse by 50% by 2030.
As PG&E’s first RNG interconnection from a landfill gas project, the facility can deliver approximately 1 billion cubic feet (BCF) of RNG annually into the PG&E gas pipeline system, making it the largest operational LFG to RNG plant in California.
“This innovative project demonstrates the strength of long-term partnerships, like our nearly 22-year collaboration with Republic Services,” said Mike Bakas, Executive Vice President of Ameresco. “We’re transforming waste into a clean energy resource, cutting emissions, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Instead of drilling for natural gas, we’re utilizing landfill gas already present in the environment. This clean energy center represents a level of resiliency that is rare among renewable energy projects, marking a win for California and the United States.”
The Keller Canyon plant showcases the dedication of Ameresco, Republic, and PG&E to creating resilient renewable energy solutions while highlighting Ameresco’s early adoption of underutilized technologies like RNG. By harnessing landfill gas, the company continues to provide sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels and aid customers in transitioning to a cleaner energy future.
“Republic Services is committed to investing in sustainability innovations that deliver decarbonization solutions, with the Keller Canyon RNG project exemplifying our efforts. Together, we’re generating clean energy for California and fostering a more sustainable world,” said Tim Oudman, Senior Vice President of Republic Services.
PG&E is actively supporting these collaborative initiatives aimed at achieving decarbonization by 2040, benefiting both customers and the wider California community.
“PG&E is committed to realizing a clean, decarbonized net-zero energy system by 2040. Collaborations with organizations like Ameresco and Republic Services are vital to this goal, and we’re eager to significantly increase the volume of clean, California-produced RNG flowing through PG&E’s pipeline system,” stated PG&E Gas Engineering Vice President Austin Hastings.
Beyond its environmental advantages, the Keller Canyon RNG plant has generated over 80 construction jobs and is projected to sustain more than 25 operational jobs, contributing to the local economy in Contra Costa County and bolstering the California job market. The plant commenced commercial operations in July 2024 and is now fully operational, heralding a new chapter in the utilization of renewable energy in the region.
