Key Metrics
19.43
Heat Index-
Impact LevelMedium
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Scope LevelLocal
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Last Update2025-08-19
Key Impacts
Positive Impacts (10)
Event Overview
This development reflects a growing trend in the energy sector toward utilizing waste-to-energy solutions, specifically renewable natural gas produced from organic municipal waste. The agreement underscores efforts to integrate sustainable resources into local energy grids, highlighting the intersection of environmental policy, utility operations, and renewable resource management. Such initiatives are indicative of shifts in energy sourcing strategies and broader transitions to reduce reliance on traditional fossil fuels.
Collect Records
CenterPoint Energy to Purchase Renewable Natural Gas from Minnesota Food and Yard Waste
CenterPoint Energy has signed an agreement with DemCon HZI Bioenergy LLC (DCHZI) to purchase renewable natural gas (RNG) produced from food and yard waste collected in the Twin Cities area. The RNG will be locally sourced in Minnesota and is scheduled to be connected to CenterPoint's distribution system in Shakopee, Minnesota, in 2027, providing customers with renewable energy for their homes and businesses.
The RNG is created through anaerobic digestion of local waste products collected from Twin Cities metro residents in an oxygen-free tank. The facility in Shakopee, operated by DemCon HZI Bioenergy and supplied by Kanadevia Inova (formerly Hitachi Zosen Inova), is expected to be in service in 2027. This initiative aims to offer a lower-carbon alternative to conventional natural gas by recycling organic materials that would otherwise release methane into the atmosphere.
Brad Steber, CenterPoint vice president for Minnesota Gas, stated, “At CenterPoint, we’re excited to invest in innovative efforts such as DCHZI’s renewable natural gas production facility to help meet the energy needs of our customers and communities. Adding locally produced renewable natural gas to our system can provide our customers with a lower carbon energy source that will continue to provide them with the safe, reliable service they expect from us.” Steber also expressed support for the growth of the RNG industry as a means to strengthen regional economies and meet state energy needs.