Montauk Renewables to develop RNG facility in California

Montauk Renewables Inc., through its subsidiary, Bowerman Power LFG LLC, today announced its planned development of a renewable natural gas (RNG) landfill gas project in Irvine, California, at the Frank R. Bowerman Landfill.

After approval of required environmental review (CEQA), this planned project will be the second landfill gas-to-energy project developed by the company in Orange County and will operate in addition to the approximately 20MW renewable electric generation (REG) facility commissioned in 2016. The project is anticipated to process the large and growing volumes of biogas in excess of the existing capacity of the REG facility. With a targeted commissioning date in 2026, the company currently expects the project capital investment to range between $85 – $95M, which is anticipated to have production nameplate capacity of approximately 3,600 MMBtu per day, assuming currently forecasted biogas feedstock volumes that are projected to be available from the host landfill at the time of commissioning.

“Montauk is proud to announce this significant milestone as we continue to expand our treasured relationship with the County of Orange,” said Sean McClain, president and CEO. “All aspects of this exciting opportunity, including the potential for enhanced wellfield automation, shared responsibility for the wellfield collection system, and the 20-year extension of our gas rights upon commissioning of the new RNG facility highlight Montauk’s commitments to the environment. In addition, Montauk remains dedicated to further developing its long-standing relationships with exemplary host businesses, such as the County of Orange, and their operation of the Frank R. Bowerman Landfill.”

The County of Orange will benefit from enhanced sustainability initiatives, beneficial utilization of current and projected available biogas, and expected increases in royalty revenues. “Our project with Montauk supports the circular economy by taking a waste product and producing renewable natural gas that can be used to power vehicles, heat homes and generate electricity in our communities,” said OCWR director, Tom Koutroulis. “More importantly, the project further protects public health and the environment by creating a sustainable source of energy that reduces greenhouse gas emissions,” Koutroulis added.