Air Liquide Advanced Technologies U.S LLC., a subsidiary of France-headed global industrial gas and services provider Air Liquide SA has announced plans to construct and operate a landfill gas (LFG) to renewable natural gas (RNG) purification plant in Walnut, Mississippi (MS), which will enable the conversion of the methane emitted by waste to a renewable energy capable of heating an estimated 4 500 homes per annum.
According to Air Liquide, it will design, construct and operate its first landfill gas (LFG) to renewable natural gas (RNG) purification plant in the United States (US) at the Northeast Mississippi Landfill (NEML), in Walnut, Mississippi (MS).
The site, owned by the Northeast Mississippi Solid Waste Management Authority, is operated by the national solid waste company, Waste Connections, Inc., and receives approximately 350 000 tons of waste per year.
The Northeast Mississippi Solid Waste Management Authority is the local government agency responsible for managing solid waste disposal and providing environmentally responsible programs and solutions to the 56 000+ residents of Tippah, Benton and Prentiss Counties.
This project would not be possible without the collaborative efforts of Air Liquide, the City of Walnut, Waste Connections of MS, Inc., and the Waste Authority. We are certainly pleased to play a part in bringing this exciting renewable energy technology to our landfill operations in Walnut, said Bobby Thompson, Chairman of the Northeast Mississippi Solid Waste Management Authority.
Using Air Liquide’s gas separation membrane technology, the plant will have the capability to purify the methane contained in the landfill gas (LFG) emitted by waste decay and make it suitable for use. Expected to break ground in Q1 of 2017, the initial production capacity of the plant is planned to achieve 1 300 mmBTU per day, with plans to expand.
In addition to the biogas purification plant, Air Liquide will build and implement a dedicated four-mile pipeline that will feed the biogas into a natural gas pipeline in the area. Construction of this pipeline will also enable the town of Walnut to expand its utility services. Air Liquide has developed technologies and expertise that span the entire biomethane value chain.
The new biogas project will enable us to transform waste and unused energy resources into renewable, carbon-reducing energy for the community and surrounding cities. Air Liquide is actively working to continue our growth in biogas purification plants in the U.S., and to provide clean energy for sustainable communities, said Chet Benham, VP of Air Liquide Advanced Technologies U.S. LLC
The project will also provide numerous benefits to the surrounding communities such as short and long-term local employment opportunities and reduction of local greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and air pollution.
The new biogas purification plant is a beneficial project for the town of Walnut and our surrounding communities. The installation of the pipeline will enable us to expand our utility services to support our continued growth, said Vicki Skinner, Mayor of Walnut, Mississippi in a statement.
