OPAL Fuels, SJI, Atlantic County Utilities Begins Construction for Atlantic RNG

South Jersey Industries (SJI), OPAL Fuels, and Atlantic County Utilities Authority (ACUA) have started a joint construction operation on a renewable natural gas (RNG) production facility that will inject fuel into the South Jersey Gas pipeline. The facility, Atlantic RNG, is located at ACUA’s solid waste landfill site in Egg Harbor Township, NJ.

“The groundbreaking of this RNG project signifies another milestone in our companies’ collective commitment to a sustainable energy future,” said Adam Comora, Co-CEO of OPAL Fuels. “OPAL Fuels’ experience in renewable energy production underpins our continued focus on our growth strategy of converting biogas resources into operating renewable energy projects. Together with SJI and ACUA, we will help bring more renewable fuel supply online and advance the clean energy transition.”

In cooperation with OPAL Fuels, SJI is developing Atlantic RNG through its subsidiary SJI Renewable Energy Ventures (SJI Renewables). The subsidiary specializes in developing waste-to-energy projects in North America. South Jersey Gas, another SJI subsidiary, has entered into an interconnection agreement to receive RNG produced at Atlantic RNG.

“We have been working in recent years to enhance our infrastructure to deliver the fuels of the future,” said Brent Schomber, President of South Jersey Gas. “We are excited to work with ACUA, SJI Renewables, and OPAL Fuels as we celebrate a new milestone of adding RNG to our gas supply.”

Atlantic RNG is expected to commence operation by mid-2025, representing the first collaboration of the companies’ 50/50 joint venture to develop, construct, own, and operate RNG production facilities.

Processed RNG is interchangeable as a carbon-neutral replacement for traditional natural gas and can be injected into South Jersey Gas’ natural gas infrastructure without negatively impacting the current distribution network. RNG or biomethane is derived from an assortment of sustainable biomass feed sources.

A ceremony to mark the beginning of construction at Atlantic RNG is planned for the fourth quarter of 2023.

“We are thrilled to host this energy project at our environmental park in Egg Harbor Township,” said ACUA President Matthew DeNafo. “Our vision to efficiently reuse the gas generated at the landfill to power trucks, homes and businesses is now a reality thanks to the leadership demonstrated by the teams at ACUA, SJI, and OPAL Fuels.”