In the United States (US), Hamilton RNG Holdings LLC (Hamilton RNG) has announced that it has entered into definitive agreements to develop innovative food waste digester projects to produce renewable natural gas (RNG) in Kentucky (KY), and Ohio (OH). Hamilton RNG is a joint venture owned by a subsidiary of UGI Energy Services (UGIES), a subsidiary of UGI Corporation (UGI), and Synthica Energy, LLC.
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Hamilton RNG’s first project, “Synthica St. Bernard”, is being developed in the Village of St. Bernard, Ohio (OH), approximately five miles north of Cincinnati. The digester is expected to be completed in the first half of calendar 2023 and will process approximately 190 000 tons per annum of food waste from nearby food manufacturers in an anaerobic digester.
The benefits of organic food waste digestion are clear – environmental protection, local investment, and job creation. Despite being home to hundreds of manufacturers, there are currently no anaerobic digestion plants within 60 miles of Cincinnati. That means operating a food manufacturing plant in our region is more expensive than in places like Cleveland or Columbus, because of the increased cost of hauling away byproducts. That puts Cincinnati at a distinct disadvantage when trying to attract and retain manufacturing businesses, said Sam Schutte, CEO at Synthica Energy.
The project is expected to generate approximately 250 000 million BTUs (million BTUs) of pipeline-quality RNG each year that will be injected into a local natural gas pipeline on the regional distribution system.
Using time-tested technology, anaerobic digesters allow for the transformation of food waste into renewable energy. In recent years as the technology has evolved, advanced odor control and pretreatment options have become available that allow digesters to be compatible with more urban environments.
Hamilton RNG’s St. Bernard plant will add a new chapter to the area’s storied manufacturing history, with a focus on environmental stewardship and building a greener future. We are on the front end of a movement that is fusing technology with environmental consciousness and creating a mutually beneficial opportunity for businesses to create more eco-friendly footprints, said Sam Schutte.
Hamilton RNG is also in the process of developing other digester projects in Ohio and Kentucky. RNG projects reduce waste and long-term greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, while also increasing the use of renewable energy.
GHI Energy, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of UGI Energy Services, will be the exclusive off-taker and marketer of RNG for Hamilton RNG.
For nearly 140 years, UGI has focused on providing safe, reliable energy delivery service to its customers and to the many communities it serves. We are excited to announce this new partnership to develop pipeline-quality RNG in Ohio and Kentucky. Along with our Cayuga RNG partnership in upstate New York announced earlier this year, these projects reinforce our commitment to the development of renewable natural gas and sustainable energy, helping communities dramatically reduce their GHG emissions, said Robert F. Beard, UGI’s EVP – Natural Gas.
