Nopetro Energy, a producer, distributor and operator of natural gas solutions across North America, has broken ground on a $50 million RNG production facility at the Lena Road Landfill in Manatee County, Florida. The company was joined at the ceremony on 9 October 2026 by Manatee County, Johnson Controls and Mead & Hunt.
The facility will capture and purify landfill methane and deliver it through existing pipelines, supplying fuel for buses and trucks. The project was first announced in November 2025. The groundbreaking marked the official start of construction and included the unveiling of new site renderings.
“Today is an exciting day for Nopetro and for Manatee County as we’re turning something that was once considered waste into a valuable energy resource for Florida,” said Jorge Herrera, CEO of Nopetro Energy. “We’re taking landfill gas that would otherwise be wasted, turning it into renewable natural gas and putting it into the pipeline to serve Florida’s transportation needs. We’re proud to bring that investment to Manatee County and to be building a project that will deliver value for years to come.”
How the renewable natural gas facility will convert landfill gas
RNG is natural gas made from organic waste, such as material that breaks down in landfills. The gas produced is captured, cleaned and used as fuel.
The Manatee County facility will be owned and operated by Nopetro. It will capture methane produced as buried waste decomposes at the Lena Road Landfill and upgrade it into RNG, which the company describes as a carbon net-neutral fuel. The captured biogas will be purified before injection into existing pipeline infrastructure, providing fuel for buses and trucks.
“By turning waste into worth, this project transforms a landfill byproduct into a valuable community asset,” said Patrick Shea, Utilities Director for Manatee County. “It is an innovative example of how Manatee County can deliver services responsibly by developing practical, forward-thinking ways to create value from the infrastructure and resources we already manage.”
Expected output and emissions reductions
Once operational, the facility is expected to generate enough renewable energy to power more than 4,500 Florida homes each year. It is also expected to eliminate emissions equivalent to 5.3 million gallons of gasoline annually, which the partners say is equivalent to the carbon captured by approximately 22,000 acres of forest.
The project expands Nopetro’s existing renewable energy platform in Florida. This includes its first landfill gas-to-RNG facility in Vero Beach and 15 RNG fuelling stations across the state.
“Every day, material comes through these gates that has reached the end of its useful life. But beneath it all is landfill gas that still has value,” said Manatee County Commissioner George Kruse. “Why waste it? Through this partnership, methane produced here will be captured, cleaned and transformed into renewable natural gas that can move through existing pipelines and ultimately be used as fuel.”
Project partners and revenue for the county
Johnson Controls provided preliminary design, engineering and strategic consulting for the facility. It will also deliver measurement and verification services for the duration of the project under a 20-year energy savings performance contract.
“We’re proud to serve as a strategic partner and provide deep technology expertise from the beginning of this effort to help the County evaluate and advance this opportunity,” said Charles McGinnis, Vice President of Sales and Development for North America, Sustainable Infrastructure at Johnson Controls. “Through the 20-year energy savings performance contract, the County will unlock a new source of revenue and cut carbon emissions while freeing up capital to invest in key public infrastructure.”
The agreement includes third-party measurement and verification of system performance. It is expected to create more than $800,000 in annual revenue for the county, with potential for additional revenue growth of up to $2.1 million.
Mead & Hunt, an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services firm, is responsible for designing and constructing the facility.
“Mead & Hunt is proud to be the Engineer, Procurement, Constructor (EPC) partner for this unique project,” said Jeff VanVoorhis, Vice President of EPC Project Development at Mead & Hunt. “We look forward to our next celebration with this team for the ribbon cutting ceremony upon successful completion.”
Frequently asked questions
Where is Nopetro’s new renewable natural gas facility being built?
The facility is being built at the Lena Road Landfill in Manatee County, Florida. It is the first project of its kind on Florida’s west coast.
How much does the Manatee County RNG facility cost?
The renewable natural gas production facility is a $50 million project.
When will the Lena Road Landfill RNG facility start operating?
Construction officially began at the groundbreaking on 9 October 2026, and operations are expected to begin in 2027.
What will the Manatee County RNG facility produce?
The facility is expected to generate enough renewable energy to power more than 4,500 Florida homes each year. It is also expected to eliminate emissions equivalent to 5.3 million gallons of gasoline annually.
Who are the partners on the Manatee County RNG project?
Nopetro Energy will own and operate the facility. Johnson Controls provided preliminary design, engineering and consulting and will deliver measurement and verification services, while Mead & Hunt is responsible for design and construction.
