Manatee County breaks ground on $50 million renewable gas facility

Construction has begun on a $50 million renewable natural gas (RNG) production facility at the Lena Road Landfill in Manatee County, Florida. The project, led by Nopetro Energy in partnership with Johnson Controls and Mead & Hunt, marks the first facility of its kind on Florida’s west coast.

The plant will capture methane generated by decomposing waste, purify it to pipeline quality, and inject it into existing infrastructure. The resulting fuel is intended primarily for use by bus and truck fleets. Once operational, the facility is expected to produce enough energy to power over 4,500 homes annually and reduce emissions by an amount equivalent to 5.3 million gallons of gasoline.

Under a 20-year energy savings performance contract, Manatee County is projected to earn between $800,000 and $2.1 million in annual revenue. Operations are expected to commence in 2027.