Ameresco and Republic Services Enhance Sustainability with New Renewable Natural Gas Facility in Illinois
The launch of a renewable natural gas facility in Lee County, Illinois, by Ameresco and Republic Services marks a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions and advancing the use of clean energy.
Ameresco, in partnership with Republic Services, has successfully launched a renewable natural gas (RNG) facility at the Lee County Landfill in Dixon, Illinois, marking their 15th collaborative renewable energy project. This facility, which began injecting RNG into a natural gas transmission pipeline in June 2025, is designed to process 4,500 standard cubic feet per minute of raw landfill gas, converting it into a low-carbon transportation fuel that displaces fossil fuel usage.
The environmental impact of this facility is substantial, with projections indicating a reduction of over 61,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually. This is equivalent to the emissions from more than 70,000,000 gallons of gasoline or approximately 1,500,000 barrels of oil. Such achievements not only decrease reliance on fossil fuels but also contribute significantly to environmental sustainability by transforming waste into a valuable renewable energy resource.
Tim Oudman, Republic Services Senior Vice President of Sustainability Innovations, highlighted the project's alignment with the company's commitment to sustainability and decarbonization. Similarly, Michael Bakas, President of Renewable Fuels at Ameresco, emphasized the role of such projects in supporting energy demand growth, reducing emissions, and investing in local communities.
This initiative is in line with Illinois' ambitious renewable energy goals, aiming for 40% renewable energy by 2030 and 100% clean energy by 2050. Republic Services has also pledged to beneficially reuse over 50% of the biogas at all its locations by 2030, further underscoring the importance of this project in achieving these targets.
U.S. Energy, as the exclusive buyer of the RNG produced at the Lee County facility, plays a crucial role in promoting energy independence and sustainability. Bryan Nudelbacher, Vice President of Renewable Natural Gas at U.S. Energy, noted the growing demand for RNG among fleets and organizations committed to environmental goals.
For more information on Ameresco's renewable fuel solutions, visit https://www.ameresco.com/renewable-natural-gas.