TECO Peoples Gas, the largest natural gas distribution utility in Florida, recently marked the completion of its renewable natural gas (RNG) facility at Alliance Dairies with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by various elected officials, including Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson.
The facility, owned and operated by Peoples Gas, has been constructed at Alliance Dairies. Upon its full operation, estimated to be in approximately a month, the facility is projected to generate 105,000 MMBtu of RNG annually, enough to meet the energy needs of around 4,400 homes. The facility will capture waste from roughly 6,500 cows and convert it into pipeline-quality natural gas, which can be safely utilized by any natural gas appliance or application.
Helen Wesley, the President and CEO of Peoples Gas, expressed pride in their role as a leader in Florida's clean energy transition and their contribution to the state's energy diversity. Wesley stated, “We are dedicated to reducing emissions within our own system while also assisting our customers and partners in reducing theirs. Furthermore, through this facility, we are supporting Alliance in creating a new revenue stream for their business, which positively impacts Florida's economy and food supply.”
Alliance Dairies has a strong commitment to utilizing its byproducts in sustainable ways, ranging from water and sand recycling to methane power generation. Jan Henderson, the CEO of Alliance Dairies, emphasized their belief in renewable resources and integration of sustainability into their operations. Henderson stated, “Peoples Gas is a natural partner to help us continue to make good use of our byproducts, making this RNG facility a significant achievement for both Florida's dairy farming industry and the wider community.”
Peoples Gas was granted approval by the Florida Public Service Commission in 2017, making it the first utility in the state, and among the first in the nation, to pursue renewable natural gas service. The Alliance RNG project represents a significant advancement in promoting clean energy sources like RNG within Florida.
Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson expressed his appreciation for the partnership between Peoples Gas and Alliance Dairies, emphasizing the collaborative efforts and market-driven, common-sense solutions that have been achieved. He praised the project for increasing domestic and renewable energy production, supporting Florida agriculture and the domestic food supply, and creating economic opportunities for farmers, all without excessive government regulation and bureaucracy.
Renewable natural gas is derived from the organic waste found in landfills, water treatment plants, or agricultural sites. As the waste decomposes, biogas primarily composed of methane is produced. Through the RNG process, the methane that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere is captured and purified. The RNG can then be injected into Florida's pipeline systems, serving as a reliable and cost-effective energy source comparable to traditional natural gas, often resulting in net-zero or negative emission levels for customers.
