What is the Project?
Upgrading landfill gas into Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) is an innovative technological solution designed to combat global warming and support the energy transition. Waga Energy offers a method that converts landfill gas—an often problematic byproduct—into a clean, local source of energy. This project is all about transforming waste into value, turning methane from landfills into a substitute for fossil natural gas. The technology is the result of more than a decade of research and development at Air Liquide and Waga Energy, empowering waste management companies and local authorities to change a liability into a resource… It’s a smart, sustainable approach that makes a difference on multiple fronts.
Main Benefits and Key Facts
This project brings together numerous benefits with impressive operational figures and offers a competitive alternative to fossil fuels. Key facts include:
- 32 landfill gas upgrading units in operation worldwide
- +0 MWh of renewable energy produced
- +0 tons of CO2 equivalent avoided since 2017
- 0 m³ of renewable natural gas injected by WAGABOX® units
Innovative WAGABOX® Technology
Following years of intense research and development, the revolutionary WAGABOX® technology has changed the game. Using state-of-the-art systems, Waga Energy transforms landfill gas into RNG—a process that combines both membrane filtration and cryogenic distillation. This method isolates methane from other components such as nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and various impurities. The resulting biomethane meets the stringent standards for injection into natural gas pipelines, making it fully compatible with existing infrastructure. La technologie WAGABOX? de Waga Energy transforme le biogaz des sites d’enfouissement en biométhane ou RNG, alimentant environ 98 000 foyers avec du gaz propre et renouvelable, et évitant ainsi le rejet de 100 000 tonnes de CO2eq chaque année. It’s impressive how this technology turns complexity into simplicity, ensuring continuous, reliable performance.
Environmental and Economic Advantages
There are several compelling reasons to support landfill gas upgrading projects with RNG production. Not only does this approach help drastically reduce methane emissions—a leading contributor to human-induced global warming—but it also produces an energy yield that is 2–3 times greater than traditional methods relying on electricity generation and heat. The process is a win-win situation: it feeds into the circular economy by converting waste-derived gas into useful energy, while providing economic benefits through regular income opportunities. Landfill operators benefit from a project model where up to 100% of project costs can be covered, meaning that both economic and environmental goals align perfectly.
Fueling Energy Sovereignty
One of the major impacts of this project is its contribution to energy sovereignty. By injecting RNG directly into existing natural gas distribution networks, the project replaces fossil fuels and supports a cleaner, more locally controlled energy supply. This energy independence gives communities greater control over their power sources, ensuring a reliable and immediate feed of renewable energy that supports daily needs—from residential consumption to powering businesses and even vehicles. The transformative process supports a local, renewable energy model, which is crucial in reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels… It’s a great example of local solutions for global challenges.
Project Impact on Sustainability
- SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13 – Climate Action
The Future of Renewable Energy
The project demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to renewable energy, highlighting the potential of converting landfill gas into a sustainable resource. Beyond the impressive technical achievements, the initiative has a profound impact on waste management practices and local energy markets. By offering a standardized solution that can be adapted to various landfill capacities, starting at 500 scfm of collected landfill gas, the project paves the way for scalable, clean energy projects around the globe. Waga Energy’s streamlined process—from feasibility studies and project financing to connection with gas distribution pipelines—ensures that each unit operates 24/7, fully automated and remotely controlled by expert technicians. With projects underway and more units coming online, the future looks bright for communities seeking clean, renewable, and local energy sources… The integration of cutting-edge technology, environmental stewardship, and strong economic incentives sets a compelling blueprint for the next generation of energy projects.
