PurposeEnergy, a biogas and renewable fuels company specializing in waste solutions for food and beverage industries, has opened a $23 million renewable energy facility in Middlebury, Vermont. The project utilizes patented anaerobic digestion technology to convert organic waste into renewable energy, contributing to Vermont's circular economy by minimizing waste and maximizing resource recovery.
As Vermont's first food waste-to-energy project approved under the state's Standard Offer Program, the Middlebury facility is designed to process up to 100,000 gallons of high-strength organic waste daily. It supports local food and beverage producers such as Agri-Mark/Cabot Creamery Cooperative and Vermont Hard Cider, which send waste directly to the facility via piped connections. Companies like WhistlePig and Ben & Jerry's can also send their organic waste for recycling, highlighting the plant's importance to the regional food industry.
The facility is expected to generate more than eight million kilowatt-hours of renewable electricity annually, powering Vermont homes and businesses. “We are excited to support Vermont's sustainability goals by diverting organics from landfills and producing clean water and renewable electricity at Middlebury,” said Eric Fitch, founder and CEO of PurposeEnergy. “We are thankful to all the stakeholders involved in delivering this project, including local and state government officials, the Vermont PUC, and our anchor partners, Agri-Mark, and Vermont Hard Cider. We share Vermont's vision for a sustainable future.”
In addition to electricity, the facility will produce natural fertilizer and clean water, supporting both environmental and agricultural needs. The plant is expected to eliminate over 2,000 metric tons of carbon emissions annually, advancing Vermont's sustainability goals. Jed Davis, vice president of Agri-Mark/Cabot, noted, “The Middlebury Resource Recovery Center is a critical step toward operational and sustainability goals for Agri-Mark/Cabot Creamery. The dairy cooperative's farm family owners are committed to protecting the local environment and maintaining a resilient dairy industry for future generations.”
