LLC Liberty has acquired Sandhill Advanced Biofuels, LLC. With a portfolio of four projects in the state of Wisconsin, Sandhill is a developer of renewable natural gas (“RNG”) anaerobic digestion plants situated on dairy farms. With the conclusion of this deal, the company has made its first investment in renewable natural gas that is not subject to regulation.
According to Jeff Norman, Chief Development Officer, AQN, “The Sandhill portfolio of projects is an important one for Liberty: it gives us the chance to apply our expertise in renewable development to an energy-generation method known for its low net carbon intensity, and it gives us a strategic foothold in a highly attractive sector of the RNG market.” “Our business clients are requesting renewable energy sources more frequently to power their activities. RNG will support us in enhancing our renewable energy capabilities and bringing us one step closer to realizing our net-zero ambitions in conjunction with our investments in wind, solar, and hydro.”
When all four projects are fully operational, they will capture dairy industry methane to generate a total of about 500 MMBTU/day of RNG for the transportation industry. Anaerobic digestions are used by farm-based biodigesters and upgrading systems to create negative carbon-intensity RNG, which is then fed into the natural gas pipeline system and replaces carbon-based natural gas. The initiatives are also anticipated to help neighborhood farmers initiatives to improve waste management and lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as well as to provide auxiliary income for them.
Two of the sites are now fully operating, while two more are scheduled to become so in 2023. As Mr. Norman said, “we are dedicated to collaborating with local stakeholders as we aim to build up this new business sector in the spirit of our company’s business model and morals. We are eager to apply our development abilities to initiatives in the RNG field.”
Additionally, Liberty has agreed to join the approximately forty hydrogen ecosystem partners taking part in a multi-state agreement sponsored by New York Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, extending its investment into cutting-edge clean energy fuel options (NYSERDA). In support of New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act target to cut GHG emissions by 85% by 2050, the group of partners will help draft a plan to become one of at least four regional clean energy hydrogen centers.
Liberty is committed to providing cutting-edge clean energy solutions to its clients and communities, as well as forming strategic alliances with like-minded public and private stakeholders aimed at advancing the adoption of affordable, clean energy solutions for a shared sustainable future, according to Mr. Norman.
