Hillsborough County Partners with Waga Energy for Landfill-to-Renewable Natural Gas Project
Hillsborough County has partnered with Waga Energy to transform landfill gas from its Lithia landfill into renewable natural gas (RNG), aiming to reduce methane emissions and generate $1 million to $2 million annually over 20 years. While the initiative seeks to utilize existing landfill gas more effectively, critics argue that it may contribute to fossil fuel infrastructure rather than advancing truly renewable energy sources. The project highlights the county's strategy to address greenhouse gas emissions while acknowledging that natural gas is not a complete solution.
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Hillsborough County is leasing its Lithia landfill to Waga Energy to convert landfill gas into renewable natural gas (RNG). The county currently utilizes some landfill gas for operations but burns off a significant amount.
The RNG produced will be sent through pipelines for use as a fuel source in existing natural gas systems, aiming to reduce methane emissions. Critics argue that RNG is a form of greenwashing, as it perpetuates fossil fuel infrastructure rather than promoting truly renewable energy sources like solar.
The U.S. EPA states landfill gas consists of approximately 50% methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Hillsborough's solid waste director recognizes that while natural gas isn't a complete solution, it represents a reduction strategy. The partnership could generate $1 million to $2 million annually for the county over 20 years, depending on the volume of gas processed.
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