Virginia Natural Gas and HRSD launch a $31M project to convert wastewater biogas into renewable gas, aiming to heat 5,000 homes and cut emissions by 2027.
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Virginia Natural Gas and the Hampton Roads Sanitation District are launching a new renewable natural gas project that will convert wastewater byproduct into pipeline-quality fuel, following approval from the Virginia State Corporation Commission.
The roughly $31 million project will be built at HRSD’s Atlantic Treatment Plant in Virginia Beach and is expected to produce more than 200,000 MMBtu of renewable natural gas annually, enough energy to heat about 5,000 homes each year, according to Virginia Natural Gas.
The initiative will capture biogas created during the wastewater treatment process and upgrade it to meet pipeline standards. Once processed, the gas will be injected into an existing natural gas pipeline near the treatment plant.
Virginia Natural Gas President and CEO Shannon O. Pierce said the project is aimed at meeting growing energy needs while reducing emissions.
“Renewable natural gas partnerships like the one with HRSD are key to reducing net emissions while ensuring the region has the fuel it needs to thrive,” Pierce said in a statement.
Currently, most of the biogas produced at the Atlantic Treatment Plant is burned off using an onsite flare. The new facility is expected to significantly reduce or eliminate the need for flaring by converting that gas into a usable energy source.
Environmental attributes associated with the renewable natural gas, including renewable energy credits or carbon offsets, are expected to be sold to third-party buyers. Officials say those sales will help improve affordability while maintaining local benefits.
Construction is expected to begin later this year, with the facility projected to be operational in 2027. The project aligns with Virginia’s Energy Innovation Act of 2022, which encourages investment in lower-carbon fuel sources.
