Kaleigh Harrison
The Greater Peoria Sanitary District (GPSD) in Peoria, Illinois has launched a renewable energy initiative that converts wastewater emissions into a marketable fuel. In a recently finalized agreement with clean energy firm Burnham RNG, the district will capture methane from its treatment processes and refine it into
renewable natural gas (RNG), a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels used in heating, transportation, and electricity generation.
This project marks a shift in how utilities view their emissions—from regulatory burden to economic resource. Instead of flaring off methane or releasing it into the atmosphere, GPSD will now use it to generate revenue while reducing its
carbon footprint. For utilities with aging infrastructure and growing sustainability mandates, Peoria's approach provides a clear framework for dual-benefit operations.
Brian Johnson, executive director of
GPSD, said the project reflects a strategic evolution for the district, aligning environmental responsibility with long-term financial planning. The district has been serving the region since 1927 and is now positioning itself as a leader in resource recovery within the wastewater sector.
Public-Private Collaboration Drives Results
At the core of the project is a model that leverages public infrastructure and private expertise. Burnham RNG brings the technical and operational capabilities needed to turn biogas into fuel-grade RNG—capabilities many public agencies may lack in-house. This partnership structure helps mitigate risk, accelerate project timelines, and ensure regulatory compliance.
Founded by Chris Tynan, Burnham RNG focuses on building infrastructure that transforms waste streams into usable resources: "This collaboration is a testament to GPSD's forward-thinking approach to sustainability and a significant step forward in our shared mission to unlock the value of biogas and create cleaner energy. This project exemplifies how public and private entities can work together to create innovative solutions that benefit both the environment and local communities."
For GPSD, the benefits extend beyond emissions reductions. Locally produced RNG offers energy security at a time when volatility in global fuel markets has made pricing and supply more unpredictable. For the district's 140,000 customers, this could translate to greater rate stability without having to rely solely on rate increases to fund capital improvements.
