Vision RNG (VRNG) has entered a landmark long-term agreement to purchase raw landfill gas (LFG) from the Greenwood County Landfill in South Carolina. This partnership, potentially spanning up to 25 years, is a significant step toward transforming landfill gas, a natural byproduct of decomposing waste, into a renewable energy source. The agreement highlights Vision RNG’s commitment to sustainability by reducing methane emissions and contributing to the transition to cleaner energy alternatives.
Methane-rich LFG is typically collected and flared to comply with regulatory requirements, a process that prevents its direct release into the atmosphere but wastes its potential as a renewable resource. Vision RNG aims to change that by capturing and converting this gas into Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) or utilizing it for power generation. Both options present environmentally friendly alternatives to burning new fossil fuels, thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting renewable energy goals.
Over the next 12 months, Vision RNG personnel will collaborate with Greenwood County and landfill staff to assess and optimize the site’s existing Gas Collection and Control System (GCCS). This process will determine the quantity and quality of gas available, which in turn will dictate the project type best suited for the site—either producing RNG or generating power.
If RNG production is feasible, the resulting fuel will be used by customers across the U.S. for sustainable applications such as transportation fuel. Alternatively, if power production is chosen, the energy generated will be sold directly to the local grid operator, ensuring that the captured methane contributes to local energy supply and sustainability efforts.
Bill Johnson, CEO of Vision RNG, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership. “We are delighted to be working with Greenwood County on this project,” he said. “Our expanding portfolio of landfill gas projects demonstrates the real impact we are making in reducing methane emissions. By capturing this wasted greenhouse gas and putting it to productive use, we are advancing our mission to create a cleaner, more sustainable future.”
The collaboration has also been met with strong support from local officials. Greenwood County Council Chairman Chuck Moates underscored the dual benefits of the initiative. “Greenwood County is proud to partner with Vision RNG on this long-term agreement,” Moates stated. “By capturing methane from our landfill and converting it into renewable energy, we are taking meaningful action that makes sense both environmentally and economically. We look forward to the positive effects of this project for many years to come.”
The project is a win-win for all stakeholders, aligning environmental stewardship with economic development. By capturing and repurposing methane—a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential significantly higher than carbon dioxide—the initiative represents a crucial step in mitigating climate change. It also provides Greenwood County with a valuable opportunity to turn a regulatory obligation into a renewable energy asset.
Vision RNG’s broader strategy involves expanding its landfill gas projects portfolio, which plays a critical role in addressing the challenges of greenhouse gas emissions. Methane capture and conversion not only reduce environmental impact but also contribute to energy security by offering a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels.
This agreement reflects the growing trend of public-private partnerships aimed at promoting renewable energy and environmental responsibility. As more landfills adopt similar models, they have the potential to play a pivotal role in the global shift toward a low-carbon economy.
The Greenwood County landfill project serves as a testament to Vision RNG’s innovative approach to landfill gas management and renewable energy production. It underscores the importance of leveraging local resources to create sustainable solutions that benefit both communities and the environment. Through this initiative, Vision RNG and Greenwood County are paving the way for a cleaner, greener future.
