Nicor Gas opens its first RNG interconnection

Nicor Gas has opened its first renewable natural gas (RNG) interconnection with Air Liquide’s largest RNG facility in the world, in Illinois, US.
The plant converts biogas from a nearby landfill into energy through the utility’s first-ever RNG interconnection.
The interconnection was established under Nicor Gas’ Renewable Gas Interconnection Pilot Programme approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission in 2021.
This is the utility's first-ever interconnection of a biogas upgrading plant to the Nicor Gas delivery system, which went live June 12, 2024.
Located in Rockford, Illinois, Air Liquide’s plant uses biogas from the adjacent Winnebago Landfill operated by Waste Connections, Inc. to create RNG.
The plant is projected to produce approximately 1.3 million Metric Million British thermal units (MMBtu) per year, which is the estimated equivalent to replacing natural gas with RNG in 12,000 homes annually.
“This interconnection is a significant step forward for Nicor Gas and Southern Company Gas on the path to a sustainable energy future for Illinois and facilitating economy-wide carbon reductions while fueling resiliency, energy security and the growth of the clean energy economy,” commented Wendell Dallas, president and CEO of Nicor Gas.