In the United States (US), Randolph County, a local government in North Carolina, and Waga Energy Inc., a leader in the production of renewable natural gas (RNG) from landfill gas (LFG), have announce the signing of a long-term agreement for the development, construction, and operation of an RNG production facility at the Great Oak Landfill, located in Randleman, North Carolina.
The Great Oak Landfill is owned by Randolph County and operated by Waste Management of Carolinas, Inc. Last year, it accepted 692,255 tonnes of waste.
In 2013, Randolph County selected Waste Management of Carolinas, Inc. as an operating partner after an extensive selection process. Construction of the landfill began in May 2016, opened, and began receiving waste in January 2017 under an original permit to receive up to 2,000 tonnes per day.
In 2019, the permitted tonnage was doubled to 4,000 tonnes per day, which is the current maximum.
20-year agreement
Under the original Operating Agreement, Randolph County retained the landfill gas (LFG) rights, leading to the current collaboration with Waga Energy.
The project follows a competitive selection process conducted by Randolph County in 2025.
Under this 20-year agreement, Waga Energy will finance, construct, own, and operate an RNG production unit with an initial design capacity of 3,000 scfm, equivalent to approximately 4,800 Nm³/h.
It will utilize the “WAGABOX” technology, developed and patented by Waga Energy, to upgrade landfill gas into pipeline-quality RNG.
Randolph County is excited to partner with Waga Energy for the production of renewable natural gas at the Great Oak Landfill. Along with our long-standing relationship with Waste Management, this agreement ensures Randolph County will benefit from the landfill for decades to come, said Darrell Frye, Chairman of the Randolph County Board of Commissioners.
Proprioritary technology
Developed through 15 years of research and development, Waga Energy’s patented WAGABOX technology has revolutionized LFG upgrading by combining membrane filtration with cryogenic distillation.
It maximizes renewable energy production at landfills by ensuring the production of pipeline-quality RNG, regardless of LFG variations in flow rate and composition.
The WAGABOX unit will produce about 610,000 MMBtu (179 GWh) of RNG per year, for injection into the local gas pipeline.
It is expected to avoid approximately 47,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2eq) emissions annually by displacing fossil fuels—equivalent to avoiding the CO2 emissions from 4.2 million (US) gallons of diesel consumed as per the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Landfill Gas Energy Benefits Calculator.
By producing pipeline-quality RNG, the project supports the circular economy and reduces reliance on fossil fuels with a local, reliable, and renewable source of energy provided to the community.
Waga Energy is also committed to investing in the gas collection and control system (GCCS) to maximize LFG collection while reducing local emissions.
We are grateful to Randolph County for its trust and leadership in making this project possible. By converting landfill gas into renewable natural gas, we will create long-term environmental value and a reliable local energy resource for the community. This long-term partnership reflects the scale and potential of the Great Oak landfill site and will help expand renewable energy production across North Carolina, said Guénaël Prince, CEO of Waga Energy Inc.
