Date: January 19, 2011
Source: Fortistar
Landfill Gas-To-Energy Plant Construction Begins At Republic Services' Charlotte Motor Speedway Landfill
Republic, FORTISTAR and Duke Energy Partner on renewable energy facility
Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE: RSG), Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC and FORTISTAR jointly announce the start of construction on a new state-of-the-art landfill gas-to-energy plant at Republic's Charlotte Motor Speedway landfill in Concord, North Carolina.
FORTISTAR began construction on the 11.5 MW state-of-the-art plant, slated for commercial operation expected in fall of 2011. The output from the new facility, called Concord Energy LLC, will be sold under a long term power purchase agreement to Duke Energy Carolinas. A public event will be held later this year.
"Landfill gas- a clean, renewable energy source- will help North Carolina meet its commitment to increase its renewable energy portfolio standard," said Don Slager, president and COO, Republic Services. "This project, once again, demonstrates Republic's commitment to being part of the solution and its leadership in generating renewable energy from solid waste."
The Concord Energy project will use two Solar Taurus combustion gas turbines each driving a 5.75 MW generator, along with associated landfill gas clean-up and compression equipment, and a new interconnection to Duke's local distribution system. It is expected that the new facility will generate approximately 72,000 megawatt-hours per year, which will assist Duke in meeting compliance requirements under North Carolina's Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard. The facility will add 20-40 jobs associated with the design, construction, and operation of the project.
"Duke Energy continues to invest in cost effective renewable energy projects that help us meet North Carolina's Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard, said Paul Newton, Senior Vice President of Wholesale and Renewable Strategies. "Landfill gas-to-energy projects remain one of the most cost effective options for renewable energy in North Carolina."
Said Mark Comora, president of Fortistar, "We are pleased with the opportunity to build on the pre-existing successful relationships with Duke Energy, Republic, and the City of Concord. Landfill gas projects are a reliable and cost effective way to meet renewable energy obligations nationwide, and I am are pleased that Duke, Republic, and the City of Concord share our vision for this project."
The parties noted that this second, 20-year contract follows on the heels of a September 2009 agreement between Duke and FORTISTAR for the output from an existing 5.3 MW landfill gas to energy facility. The Concord project will be similar to the first project but twice the size. This is the second new project Fortistar has announced on Republic landfills in as many months.
Landfill biogas, which is created when organic material in a municipal solid waste landfill decomposes, consists of about 50 percent methane. It is a readily available, local and alternative energy source that offsets the need for fossil fuels. The gas can be converted and used in many ways: to generate electricity, heat or steam; or as an alternative vehicle fuel.
Charlotte Motor Speedway Landfill has been certified by the Wildlife Habitat Council since 1991. The 729-acre site contains a number of habitat types including aquatic life along Rocky River. A garden was planted to improve habitat for pollinator species and nest boxes by a pond provide habitat for wood ducks and songbirds. In addition, a nature trail provides opportunities for wildlife viewing.
About Republic Services
Republic Services, Inc. provides recycling and solid waste collection, transfer and disposal services in the United States and Puerto Rico. The Company's various operating units, including collection companies, transfer stations, recycling centers and landfills, are focused on providing reliable environmental services and solutions for commercial, industrial, municipal and residential customers. For more information, visit the Republic Services website at www.republicservices.com.
About Fortistar
Fortistar LLC, headquartered in White Plains, NY, has a 25-year history of owning and managing power assets and currently has ownership stakes in over 60 projects in North America. With total generation capacity of over 3,000 MW, Fortistar's projects include landfill gas, digester gas, biomass and natural gas assets, including the Midland Cogeneration Venture project, the largest IPP cogeneration project in the United States. Fortistar is dedicated to delivering more efficiency from traditional energy facilities as well as developing additional renewable resources. Fortistar's growing renewable business focuses on landfill gas and biomass sectors. For more information on Fortistar please visit www.fortistar.com.
For more information, contact:
Republic Services
Peg Mulloy 480-627-2887
FORTISTAR
David Comora 914-421-4900
Duke Energy
Jason Walls 704-382-5559
Sign up to receive our free Weekly News Bulletin