Brightmark Achieves First Gas Milestone at 10 Midwest RNG Projects

(P&GJ) — Brightmark RNG Holdings LLC has achieved first gas production at 10 renewable natural gas (RNG) projects across Iowa, Michigan, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Ohio. This milestone solidifies Brightmark’s position as a leading dairy RNG provider in the U.S.

The joint venture between Chevron U.S.A. Inc. and Brightmark Fund Holdings LLC now operates 15 RNG projects in the Midwest, a region responsible for nearly 43% of the nation’s agricultural output. To date, Brightmark’s RNG initiatives have reduced more than 1.2 million tons of CO₂eq emissions—equivalent to the carbon sequestered by planting nearly 20 million trees over a decade.

“We’re extremely excited to see these projects come online and begin reducing methane emissions while driving economic development in local communities,” said Bob Powell, CEO of Brightmark. “This milestone demonstrates the scalability of these solutions and the determination from farmers to reduce methane emissions in one of the nation’s largest agricultural regions.”

Brightmark’s process involves anaerobic digestion, which captures methane from organic waste and upgrades it into RNG. This fuel can then be used in transportation and other sectors, supporting the transition to a lower-carbon economy.

Chevron’s Vice President of Renewables, Nuray Elci, emphasized the broader impact of the milestone. “Delivering first gas at 10 farms is a significant milestone. Transitioning to a lower carbon intensity energy economy demands ambitious goals, innovation, and practical solutions. This success highlights renewable natural gas' potential and fosters new opportunities for transport, industry, and consumers,” she said.

Farmers involved in the projects expressed their enthusiasm for the benefits of the collaboration. Jeremy VanEss of VanEss and Legacy Dairies said, “Lower carbon is important to us, and it's exciting to see this technology become operational and help put our organic waste to use while striving to reduce our carbon footprint.”

Lynn Boadwine of Boadwine Dairy Inc. noted the dual benefits of RNG production. “Implementing anaerobic digestion at our farm is not only environmentally sound but also economically beneficial. Additional revenue generated from the RNG we produce provides a viable and economic solution to address recurring waste and makes the transition toward a lower carbon intensity agriculture more attainable. It’s a win-win.”

As Brightmark continues to expand its portfolio, the company underscores its commitment to innovative solutions that reduce emissions and create economic opportunities across the agricultural sector.

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