Date: April 22, 2011
Source: William Charles Energy, LLC
William Charles Energy, LLC has broken ground on a new $10 million landfill gas-to-energy center in Rochelle, IL, that once complete later this year, will produce 4.8 megawatts of electricity, enough to power about 4,000 area homes. The Rochelle Energy Center will capture methane from the Rochelle Municipal Landfill and utilize 3 Caterpillar G3520 reciprocating generators, each rated at 1.6 megawatts, to produce electricity. The Rochelle Municipal Utility (RMU) group will buy that electricity from the center's developer, William Charles Energy, LLC.
PRESS RELEASE
April 22, 2011
Rochelle Energy Center Ground Breaking Event
William Charles Energy, LLC and Rochelle Municipal Utilities Jointly Announce a New Landfill-Gas-To-Energy Facility in Rochelle, IL.
In cooperation with RMU and Rochelle Waste Disposal, William Charles Energy, LLC is developing the Rochelle Energy Center, a new state-of-the-art 4.8 megawatt renewable energy facility located at Rochelle Municipal Landfill #2 in Rochelle, IL. RMU will purchase the power produced at the energy center and will retain all of the renewable energy credits associated with the electricity production. The plant is expected to achieve commercial operation in late 2011. A public groundbreaking event has been scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on April 25th, 2011.
The Rochelle Energy Center will use three Caterpillar G3520 reciprocating engine generator sets, each rated at 1.6 megawatts. The project will include a biological treatment system to clean the landfill gas and produce a beneficial usable byproduct. The byproduct is elemental sulfur which can be used locally as a component of high grade fertilizer. The gas clean-up process will lower emissions and improve the performance of the facility.
The Rochelle Energy Center is expected to meet the total electrical energy needs of approximately 4,000 homes. The power will be produced and consumed locally. It is also expected the facility will add one to two new full time jobs, as well as up to 15 jobs associated with the design and construction of the project.
"The Rochelle Energy Center renewable energy project is a great example of how a strong public/private partnership can lead to a beneficial project for the local residents. William Charles Energy and RMU worked together to bring this project to fruition. The project would not have been possible without the help and guidance of RMU and the cooperation of Rochelle Waste Disposal," said Jeffrey Gregory, president of William Charles Energy. "We are very excited because this state-of-the-art plant represents the current best available technology for emissions controls and gas cleaning. This is an extremely clean energy source and will help the Rochelle Municipal Utilities increase its renewable energy portfolio."
Ed Carr, General Manager of RMU said "In our attempt to become more environmentally involved this is a great opportunity for Rochelle. Some of the advantages of the Landfill Gas to Energy Center include; utilization of local landfill gas and requires no RMU capital for the project. RMU is excited to enter into this joint venture with William Charles Energy, an innovative and dynamic company focusing on renewable and alternative energy projects."
For more information, contact Jeffrey Gregory, William Charles Energy, LLC, 815-963-7557 or Ed Carr, General Manager, RMU, 815-562-4155.
Sign up to receive our free Weekly News Bulletin