en.Wedoany.com Reported - Environmental services company Vanguard Renewables recently broke ground on a new anaerobic digestion facility in Litchfield, Minnesota, marking its continued expansion in the Midwest.

CEO Mike O'Laughlin stated that the company is proud to expand organic waste recycling channels for food and beverage companies in the Midwest, while helping meet Minnesota's growing demand for locally produced renewable energy. He noted that the Midwest region has a high concentration of agricultural production, food manufacturing, and energy demand, making it an ideal choice for continued investment as the company scales its proven platform nationwide.

The facility will process over 300 tons of food and beverage waste daily, providing regional manufacturers, retailers, and distributors with a reliable way to divert waste from landfills. Increasing regulatory pressure and sustainability commitments are accelerating the demand for scalable organic waste recycling. Through anaerobic digestion, this waste will be converted into renewable natural gas and nutrient-rich fertilizer, creating a closed-loop system that connects waste diversion, local energy production, and regenerative agriculture.

Once operational, the facility will produce approximately 270,000 MMBtu of renewable natural gas annually, enough to meet the energy needs of about 5,300 households. The facility will connect to CenterPoint Energy's distribution system, which serves approximately 950,000 customers in Minnesota.

Muss Akram, Vice President of Utility Strategy at CenterPoint Energy, said the company is investing in renewable energy produced in Minnesota to help reduce emissions. By purchasing renewable natural gas from Vanguard Renewables' Litchfield plant, the company looks forward to providing customers with low-carbon fuel while continuing to deliver affordable, safe, and reliable service.

The project is being developed through a joint venture with TotalEnergies, combining Vanguard Renewables' expertise in organic waste recycling and biomethane production with TotalEnergies' global energy development capabilities to accelerate the deployment of renewable natural gas infrastructure in the United States.

Marc de Lataillade, Vice President of Biogas at TotalEnergies, stated that this project reflects the strength of the partnership with Vanguard Renewables and their shared commitment to promoting practical low-carbon energy solutions. Such projects not only support farmers and local communities but also play a vital role in advancing circular economy solutions and meeting the growing demand for clean energy.

The facility is being built at Wagner Dairy, a family farm that has been operating since 1887. This exemplifies Vanguard Renewables' model of co-locating anaerobic digestion systems with agricultural producers, bringing environmental and economic benefits to the local area. The facility's process also produces nutrient-rich byproducts that are returned to the land as natural fertilizer, helping reduce reliance on synthetic inputs while lowering operating costs for thousands of acres of farmland.

Justin Wagner, co-owner of Wagner Dairy, said that for their family and farm, this project represents an investment in the future. They are proud to partner with Vanguard Renewables, as the solution improves nutrient and manure management while creating long-term value for the operation and the surrounding community.

The project will bring significant economic benefits to the region, including the creation of new jobs and increased local tax revenue. Construction is expected to support 100 jobs, and the facility will create approximately 10 permanent positions once operational.

Vanguard Renewables has identified the Midwest as one of the largest untapped renewable energy opportunities in the United States. The company's analysis shows that the region has the potential to produce up to 1,580 trillion Btu of renewable natural gas, more than eight times the size of today's RNG market.

This investment further solidifies Vanguard Renewables' growing presence in the Midwest, which is currently the company's largest portfolio outside of New England. With this facility becoming operational, Vanguard Renewables will operate 14 facilities nationwide, reinforcing its commitment to expanding organic waste recycling and renewable energy infrastructure in key U.S. agricultural markets.

Vanguard Renewables is a U.S. environmental services company and organic waste biomethane producer headquartered in Weston, Massachusetts. The company builds, owns, and operates farm-based anaerobic digesters that convert food, beverage, and agricultural waste into pipeline-ready renewable natural gas. The company is rapidly scaling, with operating sites in the Northeast, Midwest, and Southeast, while developing additional facilities. By diverting organic waste streams from landfills, the company reduces greenhouse gas emissions while supporting domestic energy infrastructure and regenerative agriculture on U.S. farms. Vanguard Renewables is a portfolio company of Global Infrastructure Partners, a part of BlackRock.

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