Unlocking Georgia’s Landfill Potential for Renewable Natural Gas
By Habeeb Ilufoye (MBA ‘24)
Georgia has a unique opportunity to leverage its landfill resources to produce renewable natural gas (RNG), offering significant economic and environmental benefits for the state’s energy sector. By converting landfill gas into a clean, marketable energy source, Georgia can enhance energy security, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create new business opportunities in the growing RNG market.
However, the development of landfill gas-to-RNG projects comes with regulatory, policy, and technical challenges. Understanding the key policy frameworks, incentive structures, and permitting processes will be essential for businesses, policymakers, and investors looking to navigate barriers and accelerate sustainable energy development in the state.
Overview
As the world moves towards a more sustainable energy future, there is increasing emphasis on clean energy sources and a rising awareness of the negative impact of greenhouse gas emissions. There is a growing interest in the potential of renewable natural gas (RNG) in the state of Georgia, particularly from landfill methane.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Georgia has the potential to produce over 180 million cubic feet of RNG per day from landfill methane, which represents a significant opportunity for the state's economy and energy sector.
Another recent study by the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, projects that the development of the RNG industry in Georgia could create over 2,500 jobs and generate over $7 billion in economic benefits by 2040, highlighting the significant potential of this sector for businesses.
Georgia: Current Landfill RNG Landscape
According to Forbes, the State of Georgia ranks third in the U.S. for its biomass energy potential, highlighting the state's abundant natural resources and growing clean energy sector. With vast forestry and agricultural industries, Georgia has a strong foundation for bioenergy production, making it a key player in the renewable energy transition. In addition to its biomass potential, the state is experiencing a surge in renewable energy investments, with over $2 billion worth of ongoing projects spanning solar, wind, and bioenergy developments. These initiatives are projected to generate approximately $5 billion in economic impact over the next decade, fostering job creation, infrastructure growth, and innovation in Georgia’s clean energy landscape. As the state continues to prioritize sustainability and emissions reduction, its renewable energy sector is expected to expand, attracting further investment and positioning Georgia as a leader in the southeastern clean energy market.
In addition to its strong biomass energy potential, Georgia is also well-positioned to expand its renewable natural gas (RNG) sector, leveraging its landfills, agricultural operations, and wastewater treatment facilities to produce clean, pipeline-quality fuel. As demand for low-carbon energy sources grows, RNG presents a significant opportunity for businesses looking to reduce emissions and comply with evolving sustainability regulations. The state’s existing natural gas infrastructure provides a strong foundation for RNG integration, allowing producers to inject renewable gas into existing pipelines for use in transportation, industrial operations, and power generation. With federal and state incentives, such as the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and voluntary corporate sustainability commitments, Georgia's RNG market is expected to expand, offering economic benefits, job creation, and a pathway toward decarbonizing the state’s energy supply.
Total number of Landfill in Georgia as at May 2023: 77
Total number of LFG projects in the state of Georgia: 19
Regulatory and Policy Landscape
The regulatory and policy landscape for renewable natural gas (RNG) is shaped by a combination of federal initiatives, state-level programs, and market-driven incentives aimed at reducing methane emissions and promoting clean energy. A key driver at the federal level is the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), which provides Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) as tradable credits for RNG producers, encouraging the development of landfill gas-to-energy projects. Additionally, California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) and similar programs in other states create financial incentives for RNG by assigning carbon intensity scores that favor low-emission fuels.
To further support landfill methane mitigation, the EPA established the Landfill Methane Outreach Program (LMOP) in 1994, which works with industry stakeholders, waste officials, and policymakers to facilitate the recovery and beneficial use of landfill biogas. LMOP plays a critical role in connecting project developers with technical resources, regulatory guidance, and funding opportunities to expand landfill gas energy projects. Beyond federal efforts, state-level renewable energy mandates, utility procurement programs, and voluntary carbon markets also shape the RNG sector, providing additional revenue streams for landfill operators and energy developers.
Despite growing policy support, businesses entering the RNG market must navigate regulatory complexities, permitting requirements, and evolving emission standards. Compliance with EPA landfill gas regulations, state-level air quality rules, and interconnection policies can impact project feasibility and timelines. However, as demand for low-carbon fuels and corporate sustainability commitments increase, the regulatory landscape is expected to continue evolving, offering new opportunities for businesses to invest in RNG as a viable, revenue-generating solution for emissions reduction.
LMOP Landfill Gas Energy Cost Model
LFGcost is a tool introduced in 2002 and has undergone peer review over the years. The tool aid stakeholders in estimating costs for Landfill Gas (LFG) energy projects. LFGcost-Web Version 3.6, released in September 2023, includes updates such as revised methane global warming potential and factors for electricity prices, offering a comprehensive tool for assessing various LFG energy project types and outputs. Try out the model here: https://www.epa.gov/lmop/lfgcost-web-landfill-gas-energy-cost-model
Resources
National Overview: Facts and Figures About Minerals Waste and Recycling, epa.gov, updated December 3, 2022, https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling/national-overview-facts-and-figures-materials
Project and Landfill Data by State https://www.epa.gov/lmop/project-and-landfill-data-state
LFGcost-Web — Landfill Gas Energy Cost Model https://www.epa.gov/lmop/lfgcost-web-landfill-gas-energy-cost-model