Dominion Energy, Smithfield Foods form joint sustainable energy venture
A cooperative effort between Dominion Energy and Smithfield Foods has created Align Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) — a new, sustainable energy venture focused on methane waste capture and conversion.
The company will develop its first projects at hog farms to convert methane emissions into renewable energy used for residential and business heating and power. The manure to energy project could reduce reliance on traditionally-sourced natural gas and lead to a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Once converted, it could be stored or transferred as necessary using existing natural gas lines.
“Our companies recognize the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions for the future of our planet. RNG is an innovative and proven way to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the agriculture industry by converting it into clean, renewable energy,” Thomas Farrell, II, chairman, president and CEO of Dominion Energy, said. “RNG is considered carbon-negative because it captures significantly more greenhouse gas emissions than are released from its end use in homes and businesses.”
Align’s first projects will take place in North Carolina, Virginia, and Utah. The partners tout its potential for clean impact, but also note that farmers in those regions could suddenly have a means to turn a cost into a new revenue source, as they would be paid for the energy their farms produce.
It will also fit into state-led efforts to lower greenhouse gas emissions in Virginia and North Carolina over the next 10 years.
“This partnership with two leading Virginia based companies shows the power of Virginia’s largest industry—agriculture—to promote cleaner energy, sustainable family farms, and a brighter future for rural communities here in the Commonwealth and nationwide,” Bettina Ring, Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, said.
