Missouri’s City of Springfield provides update on RNG project

City of Springfield Environmental Services, Missouri, US provided an update on its renewable natural gas (RNG) project at the June 4 City Council Lunch Workshop.
The project proposes to convert biogas generated at Springfield’s Noble Hill Sanitary Landfill and Southwest Wastewater Treatment Plant into RNG and deliver the renewable energy source to the grid of natural gas pipelines.
Environmental Services staff previously engaged consultants on a Renewable Natural Gas Feasibility Study to gather information on other RNG projects, update the biogas production potential from the City’s landfill and Southwest Wastewater Treatment Plant and investigate project feasibility.
The results of this study indicate converting to RNG is the most beneficial use of the City’s biogas with several options for monetising the resource to help fund existing and future environmental liabilities, preserve natural resources through the production of renewable energy and protect City ratepayers against excessive rate increases.
The RNG conversion project will require the design and installation of biogas cleaning equipment, gas compression equipment and a natural gas pipeline interconnection point.
Initial capital needed for construction at the Landfill and Southwest Treatment Plant is estimated at $31.6 million, with an additional $3 million needed for annual operations and maintenance costs.
While installation of the equipment and associated technology is expected to require a significant financial investment by the City’s solid waste and clean water enterprise funds, a number of financial incentives and grant opportunities are being pursued for the project.
Initial estimates suggest that an RNG project will not only monetise an existing biogas resource, but will eventually provide additional revenue that will help Environmental Services continue its mission of protecting the quality of life for Springfield and the unique natural resources of the region and better meet the long-term obligations of the City’s sanitary sewer and solid waste management systems.
The feasibility study suggests the project could yield an annual net revenue between $4-19 million after operations and maintenance expenses.
City Council approved the use of the design-build project delivery method for the project in March. Environmental Services issued a Request for Qualifications from design-build teams this spring and is expecting design proposals from shortlisted firms in August.
The project is anticipated to begin this fall, with a goal of bringing RNG capability online in fall of 2025.