UGI Accepts Additional Renewable Natural Gas Injections

UGI Utilities, Inc. is now accepting renewable natural gas (RNG) from a third landfill facility and is fueling homes and businesses with it. Archaea Energy, a subsidiary of bp, and UGI Energy Services, LLC, formed the Aurum Renewables joint venture to develop and own an RNG plant. The facility is adjacent to the Commonwealth Environmental Systems landfill in Hegins, Schuylkill County. The plant joins two other Pennsylvania landfills, in Dunmore and Wayne Township, that supply RNG to UGI’s distribution system.

“Growing the available RNG supply on the UGI system in a managed and responsible manner provides customers with increased options for using these lower-carbon alternative supplies while continuing to maintain safe and reliable service to all customers,” said UGI Utilities President Hans Bell.

“Pennsylvania is a critical state for Archaea and it is playing a pivotal role in the energy transition. The state’s robust infrastructure and commitment to sustainable development make it an ideal location for advancing RNG technologies. This is the third RNG plant we’ve brought online in the Keystone State, and we look forward to opportunities for further development,” Archaea Energy CEO Starlee Sykes said. RNG is created by the decomposition of organic waste. It offers many environmental and economic benefits, as well as increases American energy security by diversifying domestic energy production. RNG also relies on existing infrastructure, which increases its appeal as a renewable energy source.

“We are pleased to see Aurum Renewables come online through our partnership with Archaea Energy,” says Joseph Hartz, President of UGI Energy Services. “UGI is investing in differentiated and innovative energy solutions, which includes RNG. With the help of our partners, we are creating clean energy for Pennsylvania while helping our customers achieve their own sustainability goals.”

The Aurum Renewables plant can process up to 9,600 standard cubic feet of landfill gas per minute (scfm) into RNG – enough gas to heat more than 39,000 homes annually, according to the EPA’s Landfill as Energy Benefits calculator.

Renewable natural gas is fully interchangeable with pipeline natural gas. Before it is injected into the distribution system, it goes through a thorough cleansing and purification process to meet UGI’s gas quality requirements. An additive called Mercaptan is added to the RNG at very low concentrations to give it the sulfur-like smell needed to help detect leaks and maintain safe operations.