Dominion Energy forms partnership to convert methane to renewable natural gas

Dominion Energy and Vanguard Renewables are launching a partnership to convert methane from U.S. dairy farms into renewable natural gas (RNG).

Under the $200 million partnership, Dominion Energy will own the projects and market the renewable natural gas while Vanguard Renewables’ subsidiary Clean Energy Investment will develop and operate the projects. Projects are under development in Georgia, Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah, with more planned across the country. The RNG will be used to heat homes, power businesses, and fuel vehicles.

“Through our strategic partnership with Vanguard Renewables and our strategic alliance with Dairy Farmers of America, we’re rapidly accelerating the development of these transformational projects and for the first time on a nationwide scale,” Diane Leopold, co-chief operating officer at Dominion Energy, said. “The environmental, consumer, and agricultural benefits of these projects are truly groundbreaking,” Leopold continued. “We’re substantially reducing greenhouse gas emissions from U.S. dairy farms, delivering new sources of clean energy to U.S. consumers, and providing a new source of long-term revenue for family farmers across the country.”

Further, Dominion Energy has joined forces with Smithfield Foods to convert methane from U.S. hog farms into clean energy. Methane is produced from a variety of natural sources, including dairy, hog, and food waste. By capturing methane from U.S. dairy farms and converting it into RNG, Dominion Energy’s and Vanguard Renewables’ partnership will reduce annual CO2 equivalent emissions by more than 450,000 metric tons.

“Our multi-year alliance with Dairy Farmers of America demonstrates Vanguard Renewables’ commitment to working with the dairy community to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance long-term operational and economic benefits for family farmers. For the first time, dairies across the country have partners with substantial financial resources and a deep understanding of the dairy industry working alongside them to take action now to solve these challenges,” Kevin Chase, chief executive officer of Vanguard Renewables Ag, said. “This strategic partnership with Dominion Energy and DFA will have a meaningful impact on greenhouse gas sequestration and dairy waste-to-energy production that will significantly benefit the farm community and the environment.”