The Western Virginia Water Authority and Roanoke Gas Company, a subsidiary of RGC Resources, Inc., have forged a cooperative agreement aimed at producing commercial quality renewable natural gas from biogas generated at the Roanoke Regional Water Pollution Control Plant. This groundbreaking initiative, the first of its kind in the Commonwealth, will entail the construction of a digester gas conditioning system and interconnect facility at the Water Pollution Control Plant. A ceremony to mark the commencement of this project is scheduled for Tuesday, May 17 at 2 pm at the Roanoke Regional WPC Plant, with representatives from the Authority, Roanoke Gas, and the community in attendance.
Biogas, also referred to as digester gas in wastewater treatment, is a blend of methane (63 percent) and carbon dioxide (37 percent) produced during the anaerobic digestion treatment process. This process involves bacteria breaking down organic solids removed earlier in the wastewater treatment process. Recognizing the potential of this resource, the project aims to refine raw digester gas into commercial quality natural gas for use within the broader Roanoke community. According to Michael McEvoy, Executive Director of the Western Virginia Water Authority, this represents an innovative approach to maximizing resource recovery and benefiting the community at large.
The project will utilize advanced membrane separation technology to refine raw digester gas, removing impurities and polishing it to commercial quality natural gas. This cooperative effort signifies a significant advancement in energy recovery within the wastewater treatment industry and promises far-reaching benefits for the community and beyond. Once fully operational, the digester gas conditioning system is expected to treat a biogas design flow of 550,000 cubic feet per day to produce commercial quality RNG.
The selected company for this project, Unison Solutions, is a renowned industry leader in biogas treatment technology. Paul Nester, president and CEO of Roanoke Gas Company, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the project’s environmental benefits and its potential to provide a much-needed source of safe, clean natural gas for the community. Roanoke Gas anticipates that this new supply source will be sufficient to heat 500 homes on a cold winter day, further underlining the significance of this collaborative endeavor.
For more information visit www.roanokegas.com
