Nebraska pioneers green energy initiative by converting methane into renewable natural gas

Lincoln, Nebraska, is making significant strides in both environmental sustainability and economic growth with an innovative project to convert harmful methane gas into renewable natural gas (RNG). 

This collaboration with Sparq Renewables is an essential part of the city’s landfill operations overhaul, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and bring substantial economic benefits, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

Methane gas has long posed a challenge for waste management systems due to its harmful effects as a greenhouse gas. By converting captured emissions from the Bluff Road Landfill at 6001 Bluff Road into clean RNG, Lincoln is also reducing its carbon footprint.

The landfill, which currently emits 1500 standard cubic feet of methane per minute, produces enough gas to generate four megawatts of power—enough to supply electricity to 4,300 homes annually. According to Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird, this initiative is also economically beneficial.

"Not only do we turn organic waste into a valuable, marketable commodity for the community," she said, "but it will also increase our efficiency in landfill operations in Lincoln, cut greenhouse gas emissions locally, and improve the air quality in our highly ranked community."

Kim Morrow, Chief Sustainability Officer of Lincoln, emphasized that this initiative would lead to a reduction of 92 million gallons of gasoline in emissions over the project's lifespan. The project is a key component of Lincoln’s ambitious Climate Action Plan, which focuses on significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change.

This project is not only an environmental milestone but also a lucrative venture for Lincoln, with a $50 million facility in place. The city will share in the proceeds from renewable natural gas (RNG) sales—estimated to exceed $96 million—through a 25-year agreement with Sparq Renewables.

The revenue generated will be reinvested into landfill maintenance and enhanced waste management, ensuring the facility remains a sustainable, self-sufficient operation. According to Liz, this approach is setting the stage for a profitable and environmentally beneficial future.

“We’re showing how sustainability innovations can fuel both economic and environmental progress,” she said. In addition to RNG, the facility also has the potential to explore new markets, including CO2 credits, hydrogen, and sustainable aviation fuels, further expanding Lincoln’s economic opportunities.

By Naila Huseynova