VNG and HRSD Partner on Innovative Project to Turn Waste into Renewable Energy

Virginia Natural Gas is proud to announce a groundbreaking renewable natural gas (RNG) initiative in partnership with the Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD). This forward-thinking project will capture biogas from HRSD’s Atlantic Treatment Plant and convert it into pipeline-quality RNG—reducing emissions and creating a valuable source of clean energy.

Once approved by the Virginia State Corporation Commission and constructed, the facility will process biogas generated from organic waste and inject the resulting RNG directly into VNG’s pipeline system. This project is made possible by the Virginia Energy Innovation Act, which encourages investment in biogas infrastructure by natural gas utilities.

Although the facility will be located within HRSD’s existing plant, VNG will own, operate and maintain the biogas conditioning system. VNG will also retain exclusive rights to the RNG and its environmental attributes, which can be sold to customers or third parties seeking to reduce their carbon footprint.

“We are delighted to collaborate with HRSD on this pioneering project,” said Shannon O. Pierce, President and CEO of VNG. “It reflects our commitment to sustainability and innovation, while also delivering economic and environmental benefits to the communities we serve.”

“This project aligns perfectly with our mission of environmental responsibility,” added Jay Bernas, General Manager and CEO of HRSD. “By capturing and converting our biogas into renewable energy, we’re reducing emissions and creating new value from a byproduct of the wastewater treatment process.”

Currently, most of the biogas produced at the Atlantic Treatment Plant is flared. Once the new facility is operational, that gas will be refined and used as a clean energy source—minimizing flaring and significantly reducing emissions.

This initiative not only supports VNG’s and Southern Company’s net-zero goals but also provides customers and businesses with the opportunity to purchase environmental attributes tied to RNG, helping them meet their own sustainability targets.