Hamilton RNG Holdings to develop food waste digester projects

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Hamilton RNG Holdings recently entered into an agreement to develop innovative food waste digester projects that produce renewable natural gas (RNG) in Ohio and Kentucky.

RNG projects reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions. Anaerobic digesters transform food waste into renewable energy. New technologies, such as odor control and pretreatment options, have made digesters compatible with urban environments.

The first project is being developed in St. Bernard, approximately five miles north of Cincinnati. When completed in 2023, it will process approximately 190,000 tons of food waste annually from nearby food manufacturers.

“Despite being home to hundreds of manufacturers, there are currently no anaerobic digestion plants within 60 miles of Cincinnati,” Sam Schutte, Synthica CEO, said. “That means operating a food manufacturing plant in our region is more expensive than in places like Cleveland or Columbus because of the increased cost of hauling away byproducts. That puts Cincinnati at a distinct disadvantage when trying to attract and retain manufacturing businesses.”

Hamilton RNG is a joint venture owned by GHI Energy, a UGI Energy Services subsidiary, and Synthica Energy, an RNG development company focused on the Midwest. UGI Energy Services is a subsidiary of UGI Corp. which operates natural gas and electric utilities in Pennsylvania.