Republic Services, Foristar and Duke Energy Dedicate Gas-to-Energy Plant in N.C.
Leading environmental services company Republic Services, Inc., FORTISTAR and Duke Energy dedicated a new, state-of-the-art landfill gas-to-energy plant in North Carolina with a ribbon-cutting event at the site today. The facility began commercial deliveries of renewable power to Duke Energy Carolinas on February 16, 2012, under a long-term power purchase agreement.
“Although we are leaders in increasing energy output at landfills, it’s projects like this one that get us really excited,” said Republic Services Area president Jamey Amick. “To be able to take yesterday’s trash, and from it, generate enough energy to power more than 7,700 homes … now that’s something to celebrate.”
FORTISTAR recently finalized the construction on the 11.5-megawatt renewable energy facility, called Concord Energy Renewable Gas to Energy Plant, at Republic Services’ CMS landfill in Concord, North Carolina.
The Concord Energy facility utilizes landfill gas to fuel two Solar Taurus turbines, each capable of generating over 5.5 megawatts. When combined with the associated landfill gas conditioning and compression equipment, the turbines will meet the total electrical energy needs of nearly 7,700 North Carolina residences.
“Landfill gas-to-energy projects are an important part of Duke Energy Carolinas’ commitment to deliver renewable energy to its customers in a cost-effective way,” said Owen Smith, managing director of Duke Energy’s regulated renewables business. “The company will continue to look for good projects, like the Concord Energy project, to meet our state’s renewable energy requirements.”
"This project represents a successful collaboration that will benefit the citizens of North Carolina and the environment,” said Concord Mayor Scott Padgett. “We have always had an excellent relationship with CMS and Republic, and it continues with this meaningful and environmentally-sensitive project.”
Landfill biogas, which is created when organic material decomposes in a municipal solid-waste landfill, consists of about 50 percent methane. It is a readily available, local alternative energy source that offsets the need for imported sources of fossil fuels. The biogas can be converted and used in many ways: to generate electricity, heat or steam; or as an alternative vehicle fuel. Methane is also a controlled greenhouse gas.
FORTISTAR’s projects contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gases by using the methane before it reaches the atmosphere and thus replacing energy produced from nonrenewable sources such as coal, oil or natural gas.
“We are proud of the relationships FORTISTAR has with both Duke and Republic Services and we are pleased to expand on them here at the Charlotte Motor Speedway," said Mark Comora, president of FORTISTAR. "We continually look for innovative ways to help ease the burden placed on our electrical grid by providing reliable and cost efficient renewable alternatives. Harnessing the power of landfill gas is an important part of the solution, and we look forward to being a contributing member of the Concord community for a long time to come.”