Steuben County: A Pioneer in the Landfill Gas to Energy Industry

WAGABOX Unit Steuben WAGABOX Unit Steuben

The WAGABOX® Unit at New Bath Landfill, NY

 

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Waga Energy and Steuben County partnered to build a WAGABOX® unit at the New Bath Landfill in New York. As the first WAGABOX® unit in the United States, Steuben County has set a precedent for landfill gas to renewable natural gas upgrading in the US.

Steuben County released a request for proposals (RFP) for renewable natural gas projects, utilizing the landfill gas formed at the New Bath Landfill. After a competitive process, Waga Energy was selected as the main developer for this project, and Steuben County gave Waga Energy the opportunity to build the first WAGABOX® facility in the US.

This 20-year agreement brings revenue to the landfill while supporting the circular economy and powering the local community with a clean and renewable source of energy.

Steuben County NY

Established in March 1796, Steuben County covers 1,397 square miles with a population of approximately 94,000 people living in rural agricultural areas, quaint small towns, and small city communities.

The New Bath Landfill has evolved significantly since its inception in the 1970s. Acquiring three closed landfills: Wayland, Prattsburgh, and Lindley, and establishing transfer stations in Hornell, Wayland, and Erwin, marked crucial milestones in its Local Solid Waste Management Plan. Under the leadership of commissioners like Bob Reed and Tom Hager, alongside assistant commissioners like Myron Crouch and Rich Dunn, the landfill expanded and modernized, opening of the New Bath Landfill in 1988.

Recycling programs began in the 1980s, reflecting a commitment to sustainability amidst significant waste intake. The dedication to environmental responsibility continued with initiatives such as the establishment of a Leachate Pre-Treatment Plant in 1995. Over time, leadership transitions saw individuals like Vince Spaglonetti, Eric Rose, and Steve Orcutt guiding the landfill into the present day, where it boasts six cells, employs 26 individuals, and features innovative technology like the WAGABOX® unit.

"The Wagateam demonstrated that they had great technical and professional resources to develop this project."
Eric Rose
Commissioner of Public Works, Steuben County NY
1,000 scfm
of landfill gas upgraded into renewable natural gas
15% N2
contained in the landfill gas
13,500 tons
of CO2 equivalent emissions avoided annually
207,000 MMBtu
of RNG injected directly into Corning Natural Gas' network annually

 

Developed and patented by Waga Energy, the revolutionary WAGABOX® technology makes it possible to convert landfill gas into renewable natural gas.

The WAGABOX® technology combines two cutting-edge systems for upgrading biogas derived from waste, ensuring that the RNG produced by our units meets the standards for injection into natural gas pipelines.

The WAGABOX® technology creates new opportunities for landfill gas recovery that combine energy generation, environmental compliance, and economic benefits.

The WAGABOX® technology is already in use at multiple landfill sites around the world owned by local authorities and leading waste management companies.

Explanatory illustration of the WAGABOX technology. Raw biogas is treated by membrane filtration to separate carbon dioxide from methane. Impurities and CO2 present in the gas are expelled from the circuit. The partially treated biogas then passes through the cryogenic separation module, which separates the methane from the air gases using nitrogen. The air gases are expelled from the circuit. The 98%-pure biomethane is then injected into the gas distribution network.

Steuben County Landfill Gas Evolution: Developing an energy project on a landfill, helped with the appropriate technology, is an incentive to drive methane capture

Illustration showing the place of Waga Energy and the WAGABOX in the circular economy. Step 1: Production of waste by individuals and industry. Step 2: Collection and transportation of this waste. Step 3: Burial of waste in a non-hazardous waste storage facility (ISDND). Step 4: Capture of the biogas produced by fermentation of the landfilled waste. Step 5: Biogas purification. Step 6: Injection of 98%-pure biomethane into the natural gas network. Step 7: Consumption of biomethane by residential and industrial customers. Illustration showing the place of Waga Energy and the WAGABOX in the circular economy. Step 1: Production of waste by individuals and industry. Step 2: Collection and transportation of this waste. Step 3: Burial of waste in a non-hazardous waste storage facility (ISDND). Step 4: Capture of the biogas produced by fermentation of the landfilled waste. Step 5: Biogas purification. Step 6: Injection of 98%-pure biomethane into the natural gas network. Step 7: Consumption of biomethane by residential and industrial customers.
Steuben WAGABOX® unit inauguration

Steuben County, Waga Energy and Corning Natural Gas officially inaugurate an innovative RNG production unit at the Bath Landfill in New York

On May 16th, 2024, Waga Energy, Steuben County, and Corning Natural Gas celebrated the official inauguration of the WAGABOX® commissioning in Bath, NY. Speeches were held by Kelly Fitzpatrick, Chairwoman of Steuben County, Guénaël Prince, CEO of Waga Energy Inc., and Mike German, CEO of Corning Natural Gas. A ribbon cutting ceremony and guided tours of the WAGABOX® unit followed shortly after, along with an educational tour of the landfill on a bus. Approximately 80 guests attended the event.

 

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“This is a wonderful day for us and for future generations.
Steuben County is proud to partner with Waga Energy and CNG
to bring this project into reality.”

Kelly R. Fitzpatrick
Steuben County Legislature Chair, Steuben County

“This joint project with Steuben County and Corning Natural Gas
represents a major milestone in the fight against
climate change and for the energy transition.”

Guénaël Prince
CEO of Waga Energy USA

“We are delighted to be a part of this project
that is bringing advanced clean technology
to Steuben County.”

Mike German
CEO of Corning Natural Gas

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Tanguy Largeau
Vice-President, Sales and Business Development (North America)