Clean Energy Fuels and Maas Energy Works Forge Partnership to Revolutionize RNG Production

Clean Energy Fuels Corp., the nation’s largest provider of clean transportation fuel, has joined forces with Maas Energy Works, the leading dairy digester developer, to build nine renewable natural gas (RNG) production facilities. This ambitious project will span seven states and harness the power of dairy farm waste to create ultra-clean, sustainable fuel.

A Nationwide Impact: Seven States, Nine Facilities

The new joint development agreement marks a significant milestone in the journey toward decarbonization. The project will see RNG facilities established in Colorado, South Dakota, Georgia, Florida, Iowa, Nebraska, and New Mexico. These facilities will collectively manage manure from approximately 35,000 cows, capturing methane emissions that would otherwise escape into the atmosphere. The projects, once completed by 2026, are expected to produce up to 4 million gallons of RNG annually. This RNG will then be integrated into Clean Energy’s extensive network of fueling stations across the country.

Innovative Technology and Cost Efficiency

Maas Energy Works brings a wealth of experience to the partnership, having completed over 60 dairy digester projects in the past decade. Their expertise in lagoon cover digesters sets them apart. This method involves placing a large tarp over a manure lagoon to capture methane, a simpler and more cost-effective solution compared to traditional tank digesters. The nine new sites will leverage this technology, making them more affordable to build and operate. The total investment for these facilities is estimated at $130 million, financed by Clean Energy.

Industry Leaders Spearheading Sustainable Initiatives

Clay Corbus, Senior Vice President at Clean Energy, highlighted the strategic synergy of the joint venture, stating, “This JV brings together expertise from a seasoned RNG developer and producer and Clean Energy’s extensive RNG distribution network and growing RNG customer base. We are excited to continue our long working relationship with the team at Maas Energy Works to get these facilities online and produce pipeline quality RNG to help supply our transportation fleet customers with clean fuel to help them meet their sustainability goals.”

Daryl Maas, CEO of Maas Energy Works, echoed this enthusiasm, emphasizing the critical role of family farms and private businesses in achieving decarbonization goals. “This joint venture is clear proof that family farms paired with private businesses are an unstoppable force in achieving decarbonization. If the markets for renewable fuels are clear and consistent, then American’s biogas industry will deliver. We will soon be capturing fugitive manure emissions and turning them into carbon-negative truck fuel with our partners at Clean Energy,” Maas said.

The Environmental and Economic Benefits of RNG

The joint venture’s impact extends beyond the immediate environmental benefits of reducing methane emissions. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, agriculture accounts for nearly 10 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with the transportation sector contributing another 28%. By capturing methane from farm waste and converting it into RNG for transportation fuel, these projects offer a dual benefit: reducing emissions at the source and providing a cleaner alternative to diesel.

RNG is one of the few fuels to achieve a negative carbon-intensity score, thanks to its lifecycle GHG emissions reductions. This makes it a critical component in the fight against climate change, offering a sustainable and economically viable fuel option for the transportation sector.

A Vision for the Future: Clean Energy and Sustainability

This partnership between Clean Energy Fuels and Maas Energy Works is a testament to the potential of innovative, collaborative approaches to sustainability. By harnessing the power of dairy farm waste, these companies are not only reducing emissions but also providing a scalable model for clean energy production. As the world grapples with the urgent need to address climate change, initiatives like these demonstrate how industry leaders can drive meaningful progress through strategic partnerships and technological innovation.

The new RNG facilities will play a pivotal role in supporting Clean Energy’s mission to provide the cleanest fuel for the transportation market. As the demand for sustainable fuel solutions continues to grow, projects like these will be essential in meeting both environmental goals and market needs.

A Transformative Partnership

The collaboration between Clean Energy Fuels and Maas Energy Works marks a significant step forward in the production of renewable natural gas. By focusing on innovative, cost-effective solutions and leveraging their combined expertise, these companies are set to make a substantial impact on the U.S. transportation and agricultural sectors. This initiative underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in driving the transition to a more sustainable future.

Sources:
www.cleanenergyfuels.com
www.maasenergy.com
www.businesswire.com