A landfill site in Southwestern France has begun injecting renewable natural gas into the local distribution network, marking the latest development in the region's energy transition efforts.
The facility at l'Albié in Monflanquin started operations on 29 January, using technology developed by Waga Energy to convert landfill biogas into renewable natural gas (RNG). The project is run by Biogaz Monflanquin, a joint venture between waste management organisation Valorizon and semi-public energy company Avergies.
The WAGABOX unit recovers biogas from waste buried at the landfill and upgrades it to RNG, which is then injected into the natural gas distribution network. The facility will produce approximately 41,000 MMBtu (12 GWh) of renewable gas annually — enough to supply around 2,000 local households.
According to project estimates, the production will prevent the emission of 3,200 tonnes of CO2 equivalent into the atmosphere each year by substituting RNG for fossil natural gas. The Monflanquin landfill processes nearly 30,000 tonnes of waste per year.
The locally produced gas can power both homes and vehicles through the Témob station network in neighbouring urban areas. Bio-CNG — RNG used as compressed natural gas for vehicles—offers a decarbonisation option for heavy-duty transport.
The project received financial support from the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region as part of its Néo Terra roadmap for energy transition solutions. Local energy authority Territoire d'Énergie also backed the initiative through its programme to expand the RNG sector and achieve renewable gas energy independence for the region.
Pascal de Sermet, CEO of SEM Avergies, said the partnership with Valorizon had enabled the establishment of a renewable energy production unit aligned with goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen the territory's energy autonomy. He commended Waga Energy's technical expertise and adherence to deadlines.
Ludovic Biasotto, President of Valorizon, said: "By recovering biogas from landfill waste to produce local renewable energy, we are creating value for the community while consolidating the resources necessary for our public service mission."
Mathieu Lefebvre, CEO of Waga Energy, said the unit's startup just thirteen months after contract signing demonstrated the industrial expertise of the company's teams. He said the collaboration with Valorizon and Avergies meant the Monflanquin landfill now supplies the region with local, decarbonised energy.
Waga Energy operates 33 RNG production units in France, Spain, Canada and the USA, with 21 more under construction worldwide. The company is listed on Euronext Paris.
Monflanquin landfill begins renewable gas production
