Macquarie launches RNG platform, completes financing of first project

Macquarie Capital has launched a new platform that develops, operates and invests in RNG infrastructure projects. Its first project, in Wisconsin, has already reached financial close.

The new platform, Aerogy, delivers a suite of innovative energy solutions through project development, financing, construction and commercial operation, as well as project expansions with a focus on RNG.

Aerogy has brought on Andrew Nekus and Greg Meyer, formerly with Brightmark, to help build out the platform. The company will initially focus on funding and accelerating projects in the broader RNG and renewable fuels landscape and plans to expand into renewable diesel, sustainable aviation fuel and hydrogen.

The platform has already successfully co-developed, closed financing and commenced construction on an anaerobic digestion (AD) facility at a major dairy producer, Zahn’s Farm, near Gillett, Wisconsin. The plant will convert manure into RNG and is expected to produce over 200,000 MMBtu of RNG annually.

The project uses technology from DVO, a leading on-farm AD technology provider in the US, and P&E Solutions will provide EPC services. Aerogy is seeking further opportunities to expand the facility to additional farms in the region and serve as a hub for other AD facilities.

“Aerogy combines Macquarie’s market-leading expertise in infrastructure with its successful track record working with development partners to deploy our balance sheet into innovative RNG and renewable fuels projects,” said Nicholas Gole, senior managing director at Macquarie Capital.

“Methane remains one of the most significant contributors to climate change globally, and Aerogy is designed to address its impacts by transforming organic waste into cleaner energy solutions.”

Robert Zahn, owner of Zahn’s Farm, commented: “We look forward to working with our partners to bring this exciting project to fruition. Macquarie’s expertise, coupled with DVO technology, one of the leading technology providers yielding some of the highest biogas-per-cow figures in the market, should make for a successful project with significant room for growth.”