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Vanguard Renewables and CenterPoint Energy Join Forces to Enhance Clean Energy in Minnesota

In a significant step forward for renewable energy, Vanguard Renewables has announced a partnership with CenterPoint Energy to develop a new infrastructure aimed at producing renewable natural gas (RNG) in Minnesota. This innovative agreement represents a crucial milestone as it paves the way for advancing clean energy initiatives across the state.

The initiative centers around a new facility located in Meeker County, designed to convert organic waste into RNG for distribution via CenterPoint Energy’s established natural gas systems. This facility is expected to serve around 930,000 customers, supporting not just local jobs, but also contributing to Minnesota's climate goals.

This new facility can process up to 290 tons of food waste daily, which will result in an estimated annual production of approximately 270,000 MMBtu of RNG. The development is anticipated to generate up to 100 construction jobs and create 10 permanent operational positions, effectively boosting the local economy and expanding access to sustainably produced energy in the region.

Michael O'Laughlin, CEO at Vanguard Renewables, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting their commitment to deploying clean energy solutions that resonate with both environmental preservation and community benefit. O'Laughlin remarked, "This agreement reflects our shared dedication to advancing clean energy options that enhance the health of our environment and support the local economy."

As RNG emerges as a key player in strengthening energy independence across the U.S., Vanguard Renewables is uniquely positioned to lead this transformation. By processing unavoidable food waste and integrating farm-based organics such as manure into anaerobic digestion processes, Vanguard efficiently converts what would be waste into a valuable resource—a high-quality gas suitable for natural gas pipelines.

With a track record of over a decade in the industry and more than a million tons of waste diverted from landfills, Vanguard Renewables is speeding up the deployment of regionally produced RNG. Their expansion plans include over 30 projects projected for development by 2028, which will further enhance their national operating footprint.

Brad Steber, Vice President of Minnesota Gas at CenterPoint Energy, shared his excitement regarding this partnership. He stated, "At CenterPoint Energy, we’re thrilled to invest in groundbreaking efforts that will diminish emissions and pave a better path for energy in Minnesota. This collaboration allows us to deliver our customers a lower-carbon energy solution while maintaining the reliable service they have come to expect."

The new RNG facility is a component of CenterPoint Energy's broader innovation strategy, approved by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission under the Natural Gas Innovation Act. This plan lays out a variety of pilot projects aimed at minimizing greenhouse gas emissions and accelerating decarbonization efforts for customers throughout the state.

Vanguard's new site in Meeker County marks their third facility in the Midwest, following operations in Eden and another under development in River Falls, Wisconsin. This expansion not only fortifies Vanguard Renewables' position in the clean energy sector but also emphasizes the role of local farms and regional agricultural practices in achieving sustainable energy solutions.

Through collaborations like this, both Vanguard Renewables and CenterPoint Energy are demonstrating how innovative partnerships can transform waste management into a flourishing renewable energy resource. They are not just addressing environmental concerns; they are also creating meaningful job opportunities and fortifying local economies while shaping a cleaner, sustainable future.

For more information about Vanguard Renewables and their initiatives, you can visit vanguardrenewables.com.