EPA Green Power Leadership Award recognizes landfill gas project

The U.S. EPA has presented its 12^th annual Green Power Leadership Awards to 24 Green Power Partners and three suppliers for their achievements in advancing the nation’s renewable electricity market. Coca-Cola Refreshments USA Inc. was recognized under the on-site generation category for its biogas project, a 6.5 MW combined-heat-and-power (CHP) system located in Atlanta.

According to the EPA, the system began operating in April, and is the fifth-largest system of its kind in the U.S. Fueled by landfill gas, the CHP system supplies electricity, steam and chilled water to Coca-Cola’s Atlanta Beverage Plant. Information provided by the EPA notes that the system includes a vacuum-collection system that captures methane from the Hickory Ridge landfill. The CHP plant generates approximately 48 million kWh of electricity annually.

EPA also recognized two power suppliers under the category of Green Power Supplier of the Year. Colorado-based Renewable Choice Energy is a renewable energy and carbon measurements, management and offset firm. The company supplies “Clean Source” renewable energy credits (RECs) from a portfolio of projects that includes biomass facilities, as well as a variety of other renewable energy projects. Atlanta-based Sterling Plant was also recognized for its REC business.

“Our 2012 Green Power Leadership Award winners have not only demonstrated commendable civic leadership in their efforts to use renewable energy sources, they’ve also helped to reduce our carbon footprint and cut back on pollution—all while supporting America's growing renewable energy industry,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “Thanks to their commitment—and the commitment of all of our Green Power Partners—our country is one step closer to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.”

A full list of awardees can be downloaded from the EPA website http://www.epa.gov/greenpower/awards/winners.htm#rene