October 19, 2009

Gov. Nixon helps dedicate renewable energy project using landfill gas, waste heat to help meet energy demands of Columbia utility, two state correctional facilities

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Gov. Jay Nixon today cut the ribbon on a new renewable energy and waste heat utilization project that will help utility customers in Columbia and reduce energy costs at two state correctional facilities in Jefferson City. Gas naturally produced from the Jefferson City landfill will be captured and piped to a generation facility where it will used to create energy that is purchased by Columbia Water and Light; waste heat generated by the engines at the facility, in turn, will be used to supply steam and hot water for two nearby state correctional facilities.

"This project creates a clean, reliable and consistent source of energy from a naturally occurring byproduct of landfills," Gov. Nixon said. "I commend this innovative partnership for the benefits it will bring our economy, environment and communities."

By using the waste heat generated at the facility for steam and hot water at the nearby Jefferson City Correctional Center and the Algoa Correctional Center, the project will save Missouri taxpayers an estimated $400,000 to $500,000 in energy costs each year, and an additional $670,000 in annual operational costs by closing the boiler plant at Algoa.

The Governor was joined at the dedication ceremony by Missouri Department of Corrections Director George Lombardi, Columbia Mayor Darwin Hindman, and by officials from Columbia Water and Light; Ameresco, the owner and operator of the project; Republic Services, the company that owns the landfill; and Northeast Energy Services, the company supplying the technology for the project.