Energy Vision Awards Recognize Leaders in Methane Capture and Organic Waste Innovation

Innovation in Sustainable Practices

Last week, the Energy Vision, a non-profit organization dedicated to sustainable energy practices, held its annual Leadership Awards. This year, the focus was on transformative efforts in the biogas industry, particularly initiatives aimed at food rescue, reducing methane emissions, and finding beneficial uses for organic waste.

The awards recognized several key entities and individuals that have demonstrated tremendous progress in these areas.

Key Winners

Divert, Inc.

Divert, Inc. stands out as a leading force in the circular economy sector. The company has developed a nationwide infrastructure designed to rescue edible food and convert what might otherwise be considered waste into renewable natural gas (RNG) and organic fertilizer. Chris Thomas, the VP of Public Affairs at Divert, stated that the company is nearing partnerships with about 8,000 food retail stores, large food manufacturers, and distributors. To date, they have facilitated the donation of food equivalent to a staggering 14 million meals and processed 3.3 billion pounds of non-donatable food. Divert plans to establish 30 plants, strategically located to be within 100 miles of 80% of the U.S. population.

Cummins, Inc.

Cummins introduced the X15N™, a powerful 15-liter compressed natural gas engine the previous year. This engine is designed to cater to a variety of heavy-duty and long-haul trucking applications, making it compatible with RNG. David King, Cummins’ North American On-Highway Product Manager, emphasized the engine’s ability to meet the diverse needs of fleet operators in terms of power, sustainability, and reliability. The X15N™ trucks are touted to integrate smoothly into existing fleet operations.

FedEx Freight

Another notable recipient of the award is FedEx Freight, a national logistics leader, which has started acquiring trucks equipped with the X15N™ engine. This strategic move aims to enhance their operational efficiency while utilizing RNG to power their fleet. Joe Oleson, Managing Director of Fleet Maintenance at FedEx, remarked, “Our longtime strategy has been to select the 'right truck, right route, right fuel,' and the X15N™ embodies all these elements.”

EnviTec Biogas AG

The German company EnviTec Biogas AG has made significant advancements in the design and operation of anaerobic digesters and gas upgrading systems. With over 800 installations globally and ownership of 91 of these facilities, EnviTec showcases its expertise in capturing methane and converting it into RNG. Lars von Lehmden, the Managing Partner at EnviTec, highlighted their flagship BioEnergie Park in Güstrow, Germany, which exemplifies the entire value chain of their operations by transforming agricultural residues into several sustainable products, including Bio-LNG and high-quality fertilizers.

Durwood Zaelke

Lastly, Durwood Zaelke, founder and president of the Institute for Governance and Sustainable Development, was honored for his advocacy towards establishing mandatory global measures aimed at cutting down methane emissions. Zaelke emphasized the urgency of addressing these emissions, considering them pivotal in the fight against climate change and in safer planetary stewardship.

Conclusion

This year’s Energy Vision Awards spotlight the innovative strategies employed by industry leaders in battling one of the most pressing environmental challenges: methane emissions. As practices continue to evolve and improve, the combined efforts of these organizations could play a critical role in advancing sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint.

For more information on these initiatives and upcoming Energy Vision events, visit Energy Vision's website.