Montauk Renewables plans RNG facility in Irvine, California

Montauk Renewables Inc., Pittsburgh, through its subsidiary, Bowerman Power LFG LLC, plans to develop a renewable natural gas (RNG) landfill gas project in Irvine, California, at the Frank R. Bowerman Landfill.

After approval of the required environmental review, this project will be the second landfill gas-to-energy project developed by Montauk Renewables in Orange County and will complement the 20-megawatt renewable electric generation facility commissioned in 2016. The RNG facility would process the increasing volumes of biogas exceeding the existing capacity of the renewable electric generation facility. With a targeted commissioning date in 2026, Montauk Renewables expects capital investment in the RNG project to range between $85 million and $95 million.

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The company says the facility would likely produce approximately 3,600 metric million British thermal units (mmBtu) per day, assuming forecasted biogas feedstock volumes from the host landfill remain accurate.

“Montauk is proud to announce this significant milestone as we continue to expand our treasured relationship with the County of Orange,” Montauk President and CEO Sean McClain says. “All aspects of this exciting opportunity, including the potential for enhanced wellfield automation, shared responsibility for the wellfield collection system and the 20-year extension of our gas rights upon commissioning of the new RNG facility, highlight Montauk’s commitments to the environment. In addition, Montauk Renewables remains dedicated to further developing its long-standing relationships with exemplary host businesses, such as the County of Orange and their operation of the Frank R. Bowerman Landfill.”

Orange County would benefit from enhanced sustainability initiatives, beneficial utilization of current and projected available biogas, and expected increases in royalty revenues.

“Our project with Montauk supports the circular economy by taking a waste product and producing renewable natural gas that can be used to power vehicles, heat homes and generate electricity in our communities,” Orange County Waste and Recycling Director Tom Koutroulis says. “More importantly, the project further protects public health and the environment by creating a sustainable source of energy that reduces greenhouse gas emissions.”