Grupo Lara and MDC Energia invest R$ 245 million in biomethane plants

A partnership between Grupo Lara and MDC Energia, operating as GNR Vila Velha and GNR Mauá, is investing R$ 245 million to implement two biomethane production units. These plants will utilize biogas generated from landfill waste to produce renewable fuel.

Of the total investment, R$ 180.7 million is provided through financing from the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES), sourced from the Climate Fund and the BNDES Finem line. The Vila Velha project in Espírito Santo will receive R$ 78.8 million, while the Mauá project in Greater São Paulo will receive R$ 101.9 million.

The combined facilities are expected to have an installed capacity of 97,000 Nm³ per day, with Vila Velha producing 32,000 Nm³/day and Mauá producing 65,000 Nm³/day. Commercial operations are projected to begin between the first half of 2027 and 2028. The biomethane will be sold through long-term contracts with Ultragaz, and the Vila Velha plant will connect to the ES Gás distribution network.

The projects are estimated to create 575 jobs during the construction phase and over 50 permanent positions during operation.