US-based BioTown Biogas (BTB), a leading renewable energy producer in the waste-to-value energy market, is today (22 March) activating its new digester and processing facility, one of the largest on-farm biodigesters in the world.
An on-site commissioning ceremony marking the ceremony will be attended by Indiana's Lieutenant Governor and the state's Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development Suzanne Crouch.
The new facility is located in Reynolds, Indiana, and is expected to generate more than 42 million kilowatt-hours of renewable power per year, while also producing more than three million gallons of renewable fuel per year.
The facility's commissioning represents a significant milestone for the North American renewable energy industry, BTB said, as the company charts the path toward circular agricultural practices and proves that farming and livestock operations can help to create renewable energy that powers the future.
The new site will also support more than 50 full-time jobs in White County, Indiana and its surrounding communities. Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) will provide the unit's renewable electric power offtake, and United Energy Trading and others will provide the RNG offtake.
“This day represents a tipping point for our region, for the energy industry, and for a more sustainable future,” said Lieutenant Governor Crouch. “With the commissioning of this renewable energy facility, BioTown Biogas and the State of Indiana are claiming our position on the leading edge of a new era in clean energy production. Indiana is eager to see and support more of this type of investment in the state.”
BTB’s energy assets were previously owned by BioTown Ag (BTA), a multi-generational family farm that has been a sustainability leader in the agricultural community for decades. BTA spun off the power business to BTB, in order to jointly partner with Green Rock Energy Partners, a sustainable infrastructure focused private equity firm which invests in renewable energy companies and projects, and to expand its RNG business.
“A major community and industry milestone like this does not happen overnight. BioTown Ag and Green Rock Energy Partners put in years of work to lay the foundation and to prepare for a lower carbon future in farming that, at first, probably sounded like a pipe dream,” said Chad Hoerr, general manager of BioTown Biogas. “The State of Indiana’s leadership, in addition to support from Green Rock and BioTown Ag, have been critical in bringing our vision into reality.”
New facility makes BioTown Biogas one of US’ “largest RNG producers”
