Archer Western Construction has been selected to build a $50 million waste-to-energy plant for Synthica Energy in San Antonio, marking a significant step in renewable energy development. This advanced facility will convert up to 250,000 tons of industrial organic waste into renewable natural gas (RNG) annually, using anaerobic digestion. Initially, Archer Western was involved in preliminary services such as design review, cost estimating, and procurement support. With these preliminary steps complete, the company will now move forward with the full-scale construction of the plant, which is scheduled to break ground this year and start operations by early 2026.
State-of-the-Art Waste Conversion
The San Antonio facility will process pre-consumer food and industrial organic waste through anaerobic digestion, a method that significantly reduces landfill use and creates valuable RNG. Utilizing this process, the plant will generate 400,000 MMBtu of pipeline-quality RNG per year. This RNG will be injected into a nearby pipeline, helping to diminish fossil fuel consumption and promoting a more sustainable energy ecosystem. The capability of transforming waste into a renewable resource aligns with the broader goals of reducing carbon footprints and fostering environmental sustainability.
The involvement of Archer Western, a company with deep expertise in the water and wastewater sector, ensures that the project leverages industry best practices. Their initial phase included meticulous design reviews and accurate cost estimations, providing a solid foundation for the ambitious project. Craig Thompson, Synthica’s technical project director, lauded Archer Western for their substantial design contributions and their entrenched presence in the San Antonio market. These factors combined underscore the careful planning and strong partnership crucial to the project’s success.
Expanding Renewable Energy Horizons
Synthica Energy is concurrently developing similar $50 million projects in Atlanta and Cincinnati, intended to convert waste into RNG with capacities akin to the San Antonio facility. Each of these projects will replicate the successful model of turning organic waste into renewable energy, thereby contributing to regional and national sustainability goals. Additionally, Synthica is in the permitting phase for a project in Houston, which is set to break ground in early 2025. This widespread strategy highlights Synthica’s commitment to expanding the infrastructure necessary for RNG production across multiple key locations.
Derek Lacey’s report emphasizes the significance of such investments in RNG facilities, reflecting a wider movement towards sustainable energy solutions and a robust reduction in fossil fuel reliance. By focusing on replicable, scalable models, Synthica aims to make a measurable impact on energy sustainability. The move to develop multiple facilities concurrently not only enhances the overall capacity for RNG production but also reinforces confidence in the efficacy and scalability of waste-to-energy technology.
Conclusion
Archer Western Construction has been chosen to construct a $50 million waste-to-energy plant for Synthica Energy in San Antonio, making a notable advancement in the field of renewable energy. The state-of-the-art facility will have the capability to transform up to 250,000 tons of industrial organic waste into renewable natural gas (RNG) each year utilizing a process called anaerobic digestion. Originally, Archer Western participated in preliminary tasks including design review, cost estimating, and procurement support. With these initial phases now complete, the company will proceed with the full-scale construction of the plant. The groundbreaking ceremony is set for this year, with the facility expected to commence operations by early 2026. This venture underscores a commitment to sustainable energy solutions and marks a significant milestone in the renewable energy sector, promising environmental benefits and contributing to the reduction of industrial waste.
