ACUA, SJI, OPAL Fuels cut ribbon on new RNG production facility

EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP - After seven years of hard work, dedication and collaboration, the Atlantic County Utilities Authority held a ribbon cutting Thursday at its new RNG facility located at the county landfill in Egg Harbor Township.

“This project is more than just an engineering milestone - it’s a testament to our team’s persistence, innovation and commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable future,” ACUA President Matthew DeNafo said. “Our staff never settled for ‘no,’ and their leadership continues to set the standard in our industry.”

DeNafo said the facility will have a positive impact on the environment for decades to come.

SJI, an energy infrastructure holding company, and OPAL Fuels, a leader in the production, marketing and distribution of renewable and compressed natural gas (RNG and CNG), partnered with the ACUA to bring the project to fruition.

    ACUA/RNG gas storage
  

The RNG facility will capture and process landfill gas into RNG, providing a renewable, lower-carbon fuel alternative to diesel and conventional natural gas. The project marks a significant milestone for SJI, as it will be the first to deliver RNG into the pipeline system of South Jersey Gas, a subsidiary of SJI. The milestone event was attended by local and state elected officials, and company leadership.

“We are thrilled to cut the ribbon on this project, which signifies another milestone for SJI,” said Chet Benham, president, SJI Renewable Energy Ventures. “This project underscores our commitment to innovation and continuing efforts in renewable energy solutions.”

The RNG produced at the ACUA plant is planned to be used as transportation fuel and directly injected into the South Jersey Gas pipelines, offering RNG for the first time to supply energy to homes and businesses in the South Jersey Gas territory.

The facility will produce nearly 4.6 million gallons of RNG, per year.

    ACUA/ACUA President Matthew DeNafo speaks during the ribbon cutting ceremony
  

“ACUA has consistently demonstrated its commitment to exploring and implementing technologies that transform waste into a resource and improve our environment,” DeNafo said. “This project embodies that commitment, and we’re happy to celebrate its opening alongside our wonderful partners OPAL and SJI.”

Once operational, the RNG produced at the ACUA’s solid waste landfill is also expected to reduce methane emissions from the landfill and avoid over 346,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂) per year.

“The opening of this facility marks an important milestone in OPAL Fuels’ mission of turning waste into clean, domestic energy,” said Adam Comora, co-CEO of OPAL Fuels. “This project reduces emissions, improves local air quality, creates jobs, and strengthens American energy independence. As we drive forward with a focus on strategic growth and operational excellence, this project serves as an example of how landfills can benefit from producing RNG by generating financial value, cutting methane emissions, and displacing diesel to decarbonize transportation.”

    ACUA/Trash collection vehicle powered with RNG
  

The process is expected to reduce the volume of methane gas combusted at the facility, resulting in a reduction in on-site emissions. The RNG project represents the first collaboration between SJI and OPAL Fuels as part of their previously announced 50/50 joint venture to develop, construct, own and operate RNG facilities.

For more information about this project, SJI and its subsidiaries, visit South Jersey Industries - Home.