BP and Archaea Energy launch RNG plant in Indiana
BP and Archaea Energy have announced the commencement of operations at their renewable natural gas (RNG) plant in Medora, Indiana, U.S.A., marking a significant stride in sustainable energy development. The facility, situated adjacent to a Rumpke Waste and Recycling landfill, utilises innovative technology to convert landfill gas into renewable energy.
The Medora plant, the first to be operational since BP acquired Archaea in December 2022, employs the original Archaea Modular Design (AMD). This technology captures landfill gas, a byproduct of waste decomposition and a greenhouse gas, and transforms it into electricity, heat, or RNG. The conversion process not only mitigates odors but also contributes to air quality improvement and sustainable energy generation.
With a processing capacity of 3,200 cubic feet of landfill gas per minute, the Medora facility can produce enough RNG to heat approximately 13,026 homes annually, as per the calculations of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The AMD’s modular and interchangeable design facilitates quicker construction compared to traditional custom-built RNG plants.
Starlee Sykes, CEO of Archaea Energy, expressed enthusiasm about the plant’s potential to capture landfill emissions and provide lower emission, lower carbon fuel. The company anticipates bringing several AMD plants online across the United States this year.
Jeff Rumpke, area president at Rumpke Waste & Recycling, highlighted the RNG plant’s role in reducing emissions and ensuring waste is not only disposed of properly but also utilised efficiently.
Following the acquisition of Archaea, BP has emerged as the largest RNG producer in the United States. This expansion aligns with the company’s commitment to supporting customers in achieving decarbonisation objectives and reducing the carbon intensity of energy products.
