A long-delayed biomethane scheme in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, faces renewed doubt after a US court ruling and reports that French industrial gases group Air Liquide may sell its biomethane assets.
The project, first approved in 2023 with more than $2.24 million (€2.04 million) in state grants, was meant to deliver a methane digester at the 119 Business Park in Center Township.
It would process waste from around 6,000 dairy cattle, providing renewable energy while offering farmers cash payments and recycled fertiliser and bedding.
But progress has stalled amid cost overruns of more than $20m (€18.2m) and now legal disputes.
Last week Judge Benita Y. Pearson, of the US District Court in Northern Ohio, dismissed claims by Ohio Valley Concrete and named developer Gruppo EF Tecnologie USA as the main plaintiff in proceedings against Air Liquide Advanced Technologies. Air Liquide owns the site but Gruppo has overseen development.
Gruppo chief executive Luca Sirago said legal action is needed to protect 18 farms contracted to supply manure. He added the project could still proceed with new investment, despite the escalating costs.
Meanwhile, Reuters reported Air Liquide is working with advisers from JPMorgan on a potential $585m (€532m) sale of its biomethane division, including the Indiana County site. The company, which operates 29 biomethane units worldwide, declined to comment.
Air Liquide has emphasised resilience in recent trading updates but is also dealing with geopolitical pressure. Last month, Russian authorities placed its assets in the country under state control.
Ohio court ruling deepens uncertainty for Indiana County biomethane project
