Broadrock Renewables Breaks Ground on Landfill Gas-to-Energy Expansion Facilities at Central Landfill

Broadrock Renewables LLC today announced the groundbreaking for a new landfill gas-to-energy generating plant at Central Landfill in Johnston, Rhode Island.

The new expanded facility will have renewable energy generating capacity of 40 MW. Broadrock Renewables management and staff have been involved in the ownership and management of the facility since the mid 1990s. The facility, formerly under ownership of Ridgewood Renewable Power affiliates, was branded under Broadrock Renewables following the facility’s November 2010 acquisition by Macquarie Infrastructure Partners II.

“Landfill gas-to-energy technology is at the forefront of efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Randy Holmes, Chief Executive Officer of Broadrock Renewables LLC. “We are excited to stand alongside our various partners under new ownership and backing by Macquarie Infrastructure Partners (MIP), to announce commencement of construction. The facilities at this landfill will provide a clean electricity equivalent that is capable of powering almost 24,000 homes. We are grateful for the support we received from the state of Rhode Island which was instrumental in helping to make this significant renewable initiative come to fruition.”

“This is a model partnership arrangement that has been developed over the past three years resulting in a solid financial investment for Broadrock, while providing benefits to both the operations at Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC) and renewable power for the citizens of Rhode Island,” said Mike O’Connell, Executive Director of RIRRC.

The project is a recipient of a $15 million stimulus grant from the Department of Energy. under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to promote increased use of industrial energy efficiency technologies as part of a broader effort to help cut overall energy use, save American businesses money, grow jobs, and reduce carbon pollution across the country.

"Clean, green power and well-paying jobs are crucial to the future of the economy, and this project combines the two by creating 160 union positions in Rhode Island," said Frank DiCola, President and CEO of DCO Energy. "We would like to thank Broadrock Renewables, MIP and the RIRRC for the opportunity to be part of this exciting team."

The facility is expected to be completed and in operation by 2012. The output of the new facility will be purchased by National Grid, pursuant to a long-term offtake agreement.