Republic Services landfill gas project in California comes to life

Massachusetts-based landfill gas recovery technology provider Ameresco Inc. has taken part in a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Keller Canyon Landfill in Pittsburg, California, to celebrate the ramping up of a landfill gas (LFG) to renewable natural gas (RNG) plant built in cooperation with Phoenix-based Republic Services Inc. and California utility provider Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E).

The parties involved call it the largest such LFG-to-RNG plant in California and say it will “significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the region.” The project was approved earlier this decade.

By having the capability to process 4,500 standard cubic feet per minute of landfill gas, the plant is designed to reduce annual carbon emissions by approximately 62,000 metric tons, which Ameresco calls the equivalent of taking 30,000 cars off the road or displacing the use of 7.5 million gallons of diesel fuel.

“This project not only supports California’s goal of achieving 60 percent renewable energy by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2045, but also advances Republic Services’ long-term commitment to beneficially reuse 50 percent more of their biogas by 2030,” states the technology provider.

According to Ameresco, the facility is the first RNG interconnection from a landfill gas project for PG&E. The plant has been designed with a capacity to deliver approximately 1 billion cubic feet of RNG on an annual basis into the PG&E gas pipeline system.

“Republic Services is investing in sustainability innovation to provide decarbonization solutions, and the Keller Canyon RNG project with Ameresco is a prime example,” says Republic Services Senior Vice President Tim Oudman. “Together, we’re creating clean energy for California and helping create a more sustainable world.”

“This innovative project shows the power of long-term partnerships, such as our almost 22-year collaboration with Republic Services,” says Mike Bakas, executive vice president of Ameresco, which has been setting up landfill gas recovery systems throughout North America. 

“Together, we’re turning waste into a clean energy resource that cuts emissions and reduces our reliance on fossil fuels. Instead of drilling for more natural gas, we’re using landfill gas that’s already in the environment and putting it to work.”

Adds Bakas, “Supported by an adjacent green electric supply, this clean energy center incorporates a level of resiliency not seen by most renewable energy projects. It’s a win for California’s clean energy future. It’s a win for the United States and we’re incredibly proud to be part of it.”

Remarks PG&E Gas Engineering Vice President Austin Hastings, “PG&E remains committed to achieving a clean, decarbonized net zero energy system by 2040. Partnerships with other change-makers like Ameresco and Republic Services are critical to this effort.”

According to Ameresco, the Keller Canyon RNG plant began commercial operations in July 2024 and is now fully operational. The project created more than 80 construction jobs and is expected to sustain over 25 operational jobs, adds the company.