NRG Energy, Waste Management, Others Forms Joint Venture for Gas-to-Liquids Opportunities

Waste Management, Inc., Ventech Engineers International LLC, NRG Energy, Inc., and Velocys plc announced the formation of a joint venture to produce renewable fuels and chemicals from biogas and natural gas using smaller-scale gas-to-liquids (GTL) technology.

Waste Management said that it has pioneered the use of smaller-scale GTL utilizing landfill gas, including building and operating a demonstration unit at East Oak landfill in Oklahoma. The demonstration unit has accumulated more than 10,000 hours of successful operation.

NRG was said to, "bring[] extensive experience in developing large renewable capital projects, strong green customer focus and expertise in the acquisition and transportation of large quantities of natural gas.

"With one of the largest and most diverse generation fleets in America including extensive natural gas generation capacity and a leading solar portfolio as well as numerous innovative and green options for large and small customers, NRG is focused on delivering cleaner and smarter energy choices," said John Ragan, executive vice president and regional president, Gulf Coast, NRG. "We are pleased to be part of this joint venture that fits squarely within our commitment to provide customers with more options to reduce their environmental profile and look forward to helping develop the capabilities to leverage biogas and natural gas resources into a source for higher value, clean burning diesel fuel."

The joint venture's first facility is under development and will be located at Waste Management's East Oak site in Oklahoma. The joint venture intends making a final decision to proceed on this first plant this year. Engineering and design work is substantially complete, final draft permitting documents have been submitted, and development activities for additional facilities are expected to commence shortly.