The Yolo County Board of Supervisors and Redtail Renewables have executed an agreement for the development and long-term operation of a landfill gas beneficial reuse project at the Yolo County Central Landfill. The landmark public-private partnership will transform landfill gas – a potent greenhouse gas – into clean renewable natural gas.
“This agreement is a testament to Yolo County’s commitment to responsible environmental stewardship and innovative public-private collaboration,” said Yolo County Board of Supervisors Chair Shelia Allen. “By converting landfill gas — a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions — into clean, renewable energy, we are delivering real climate benefits to our community and the broader region. We are proud to partner with Redtail Renewables on a project that exemplifies the kind of forward-thinking solutions our residents deserve.”
“Redtail was founded on the conviction that organic waste streams hold enormous, largely untapped clean energy potential,” said Redtail Renewables CEO Claus Nussgruber. “The Yolo County Central Landfill project is a flagship example of the possibility when a forward-thinking county government and an experienced renewable energy developer share a common vision. This is exactly the kind of project our team is set up to execute professionally, and we are honored by the trust Yolo County has placed in us.”
Once online, the facility will process 100% of collected landfill gas at the Yolo County Central Landfill and produce low carbon-intensity, clean renewable natural gas. The project is expected to generate up to 500,000 MMBtu of renewable natural gas annually and is expected to be completed by mid-2028.
The renewable natural gas (RNG) production process reduces greenhouse gas emissions by capturing methane before it is emitted to the atmosphere. The RNG generated from the plant will be sold under a long-term agreement.
The project will also provide long-term operational and financial benefits to Yolo County, including guaranteed annual revenue payments to support landfill enterprise operations. The approved agreement begins with a multi-year development and permitting process that will include contractor procurement, environmental compliance review, engineering and design, and coordination with multiple regulatory agencies.
“I could not be prouder of county staff in executing an agreement that takes our grandfathered gas-to-energy facility built back in the late ‘80s to a state-of-the-art facility that meets all modern environmental standards,” said Integrated Waste Management Division Director Marissa Juhler. “This is 40 years in the making which will take us into the future with better gas capture and a cleaner end product. We have a lot to be proud of in this partnership.”