A new project in Manatee County, spearheaded by Johnson Controls, will convert methane gas from the Lena Road landfill into renewable energy. By turning waste into revenue and producing marketable environmental credits, officials hope this initiative will benefit taxpayers and protect the environment.
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Green Energy Solutions
Manatee County to convert gas into marketable energy
Photo by Business Observer
Key Takeaways:
- Manatee County will convert landfill methane into renewable energy
- Johnson Controls is designing, building, and operating the new energy facility
- The county stands to receive quarterly payments of $220,831.12
- Environmental credits and carbon offsets can be traded or sold for revenue
- Johnson Controls will pay any shortfall if the project fails to meet savings goals
Bold Step in Renewable Energy
Manatee County commissioners have approved an agreement to channel methane gas from the Lena Road landfill into renewable fuel. This move represents a noteworthy environmental and economic milestone for the region, showcasing how landfills can become a source of marketable energy.
Partnership with Johnson Controls
Johnson Controls, a Wisconsin-based company committed to creating sustainable spaces, will design, build, and operate the renewable natural gas facility on-site. By doing so, the company will transform the landfill’s methane gas into usable, marketable fuel.
Financial Mechanics
The annual costs for the county are projected to be $883,324, with Johnson Controls paying Manatee County in quarterly installments of $220,831.12. This arrangement not only offsets expenses but also establishes a financial safety net. Should the project fail to fulfill its savings targets, Johnson Controls assumes responsibility for covering any shortfall.
Environmental Gains
Beyond generating renewable energy, the initiative will yield environmental attributes such as renewable energy credits, carbon offsets, and renewable identification numbers. Manatee County can trade or sell these for additional revenue—an added incentive for turning an environmental liability into a financial asset.
A Word from County Leadership
“This is a free revenue source on stuff that we’re currently just burning off,” says Manatee County Commission Chair George Kruse. “We owe it to the taxpayers to try to maximize outside revenue so we can eliminate some of their costs.”
Through this partnership, Manatee County aims to ensure that its landfill not only disposes of refuse efficiently, but also contributes green energy and financial returns to the region.
