In a step towards advancing renewable energy solutions in Florida, Nopetro Renewables, a pioneer in developing renewable natural gas (RNG) projects across North America, has started construction on the first landfill gas to RNG facility in South Florida, located in Indian River County.
The groundbreaking event marks the initiation of the Vero Beach Nopetro Eco District, a $40 million project to transform landfill gas into a sustainable energy resource.
The facility, poised to become operational in early 2025, is projected to produce an initial annual output of 3 million gallons of RNG, reducing 30,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions. This achievement is akin to removing the emissions of 4,300 passenger cars, underscoring the project’s significant environmental benefits.
Furthermore, it represents the most significant investment in Indian River County over the past three years and is expected to generate more than 40 local jobs during its construction and operational phases.
Jorge Herrera, CEO of Nopetro Energy, highlighted the project’s importance: “This facility marks a significant milestone for Nopetro and a monumental step toward unlocking sustainable opportunities in Florida – and across North America – as we transform waste into a valuable energy resource. There’s no better time than the present to introduce creative, turnkey, and smarter energy solutions to the Sunshine State as we strive for a bright future for our children and future generations.”
The Vero Beach Nopetro Eco District will receive landfill gas, produced from the decay of organic waste, and refine it into RNG, a biogas that serves as the lowest carbon alternative fuel. After purification, the RNG will be ready for pipeline distribution, offering a cleaner fuel option for buses and trucks and promoting cleaner air for the community.
It is estimated that the facility could fulfill up to 80% of Indian River County’s annual natural gas requirements, significantly reducing the local demand for fossil-based natural gas.
Indian River County Commission Chair Susan Adams praised the initiative, “This facility is innovation at work, merging economic and environmental benefits into one project.”
Nopetro Renewables has collaborated with Mead & Hunt, renowned for their expertise in architectural, engineering, planning, and construction services, for the design and construction of the facility.
Doug Tholo, Energy Project Developer at Mead & Hunt, shared, “Through the execution of approximately 75 landfill gas-to-beneficial reuse projects across more than 25 states, our team brings a proven engineering, procurement, and construction approach to renewable energy project delivery.”
In addition to RNG production, Nopetro operates 15 renewable gas fueling facilities across Florida, with plans for further expansion. The company’s RNG, compressed into CNG, fuels transit and fleet operations, notably powering the entire transit system in Central Florida in partnership with the Central Florida Transit Authority.
Nopetro’s commitment to sustainability is evident, as 100% of its natural gas feedstock is sourced from renewable origins, including landfills and wastewater treatment plants.
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