Carbon Project Type: Biogas Energy
Location: Essex Junction, Vermont, U.S.
Volume: 3,123 metric tonnes
Capacity: 60 kW

This project captures methane gas and uses it to fuel two 30 kW electricity-generating turbines. The methane is produced through the anaerobic digestion of municipal sewage sludge.

Previously, the methane gas was burned to avoid the release of methane into the atmosphere and to provide necessary heat to the digesters. Now, the project uses all of the methane to generate approximately 350,000 kWh of electricity per year, which powers pumps, grinders, and other processing equipment. It also captures the heat produced when the methane is burned for the turbines and uses it to warm the digester tanks. As a result, the same methane provides two benefits – electricity and heat. As of 2014, the project has fully performed its delivery obligations to NativeEnergy, and the full volume of 3,123 tonnes was achieved. The project continues to operate successfully.

Sustainable Development Benefits

All of the electricity that the turbines generate would otherwise have been drawn from the grid. By producing this electricity, the project reduces the total amount of electricity that would have been generated by burning fossil fuels.

Project Participants

This project is a collaborative effort between the village of Essex Junction and NativeEnergy.

Validation and Verification

Emissions reductions from this project were quantified following the Climate Neutral Network protocol. The project’s electricity production was verified every other year.

Financial Additionality

This project meets NativeEnergy’s stringent additionality criteria, as our funding was necessary to the project’s implementation.