DTE Biomass acquires two landfill gas-to-energy projects in Texas

DTE Biomass Energy has announced the acquisition of two landfill gas-to-energy projects in Texas. The Ann Arbor, Michigan based company has purchased both the operating Fort Bend Power Producers facility just outside of Rosenberg, and the Seabreeze landfill gas development project in Angleton. Construction on the Seabreeze plant is expected to break ground next month.

The new acquisition means DTE now operates three landfill gas-to-energy projects in Texas, and five in total which convert landfill gas to pipeline-quality renewable natural gas (RNG). DTE claims in a statement that the low-carbon fuel is extremely versatile and fully compatible with US natural gas infrastructure. RNG is used to power compressed natural gas and liquefied natural gas vehicles, offsetting the use of fossil based fuels.

“These landfill gas-to-energy projects support our continued commitment to renewable energy and growing interest in supplying the renewable vehicle fuels market," said DTE Biomass president Mark Cousino.  "We see an increasing demand for natural gas powered vehicles - and RNG production provides a clean, sustainable fuel source with the benefit of reduced emissions over standard fuel."

Built in 2013, the Fort Bend facility generates enough RNG annually to fuel 560 diesel buses. This year, DTE will increase the output of the project by expanding the plant’s capacity to generate enough RNG to fuel over 1,000 diesel buses. The Seabreeze facility is expected to reach full operation in the fourth quarter of this year, and produce similar volumes to Fort Bend.