USA: A renewable gas interconnection in Illinois to power 12,000 homes

Nicor Gas inaugurates an innovative interconnection in Rockford, converting biogas from a local landfill into renewable gas to supply 12,000 homes.

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Nicor Gas has announced the opening of its first renewable natural gas (RNG) interconnection in Illinois. This infrastructure, located in Rockford, connects Nicor Gas’s distribution network to a state-of-the-art facility that captures methane from organic waste decomposition at the Winnebago landfill, operated by Waste Connections, Inc.

A major technological advancement

The facility, managed by Air Liquide, purifies the collected biogas into pipeline-quality RNG. With an annual production capacity of approximately 1.3 million MMBtu—the equivalent of the energy consumption of 12,000 homes—this infrastructure marks a concrete step forward in the development of renewable energy in the United States.

A project supported by regulatory frameworks

This interconnection is part of the Renewable Gas Interconnection Pilot Program, approved in 2021 by the Illinois Commerce Commission. The official commissioning of this infrastructure took place in June 2024, positioning Nicor Gas as a key player in the energy transition in the state.

A strategic role for renewable gas

Renewable gas, produced from organic sources such as landfills, wastewater treatment, or agriculture, offers a low-carbon alternative to traditional energy. By capturing and transforming methane emissions, such projects contribute not only to reducing the environmental impact of waste but also to diversifying energy sources.

Nicor Gas is also committed to retiring 13,900 MMBtu of environmental attributes associated with this project annually, bolstering its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its operations.

Economic and environmental implications

This project highlights the importance of energy infrastructure in supporting the energy transition and reducing carbon emissions. The partnership between Nicor Gas and Air Liquide demonstrates the role of private actors in developing sustainable energy solutions while aligning with Illinois’ climate objectives.

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