anaerobic digestion facility Archives – Central Penn Business Journal

Lancaster-based RETTEW involved in sustainable energy project in Georgia

Lancaster-based engineering firm RETTEW and renewable natural gas development company Synthica Energy, LLC, from Cincinnati, have commenced construction on a new plant in Rome, Georgia. The plant is expected to be completed by 2026, according to a press release.

Contributing to Sustainable Development Goals

RETTEW President and CEO Clayton Bubeck stated, “RETTEW is proud to be at the forefront of renewable energy innovation. Our collaboration with Synthica Energy on this groundbreaking project demonstrates our commitment to providing sustainable engineering solutions that benefit both the environment and local communities.”

The anaerobic digestion facility, located in Floyd County, Georgia, is the first of its kind in the Greater Atlanta area. It is expected to divert approximately 250,000 tons of organic waste from local landfills annually, while simultaneously producing renewable natural gas (RNG) and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

RETTEW’s Engineering Expertise

RETTEW played a crucial role in the design and permitting of this state-of-the-art facility. As the project’s Engineer of Record, RETTEW provided a wide range of engineering services, including civil, architectural, structural, electrical, process, mechanical, and instrumentation design.

RETTEW collaborated with Synthica Energy and project partners Clark Construction, Southern Engineering & Surveying, and Webster Environmental Associates. In addition to the Georgia project, RETTEW is also working with Synthica Energy on their first RNG facility in Cincinnati, Ohio, which is expected to be operational in early 2025. Furthermore, RETTEW recently broke ground on a second site in San Antonio, Texas.

About RETTEW

Founded in 1969, RETTEW is an employee-owned engineering firm that provides a wide range of services, including civil, transportation, environmental, and subsurface utility engineering; geophysics; land planning; surveying; safety consulting; and design-build construction services. With nearly 300 employees and offices in Pennsylvania (Allentown, Berwyn, Lancaster, Mechanicsburg, Pittsburgh, State College, and Williamsport), RETTEW is committed to contributing to sustainable development and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
   • Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption

2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   • Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable
   • Indicator 9.4.1: CO2 emission per unit of value added

3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.6: Reduce the environmental impact of cities
   • Indicator 11.6.1: Proportion of urban solid waste regularly collected and with adequate final discharge

4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

   • Target 12.5: Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse
   • Indicator 12.5.1: National recycling rate, tons of material recycled

5. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
   • Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have integrated climate change into their national policies, strategies, and planning

Analysis

The article discusses a project in Georgia where RETTEW and Synthica Energy are building a renewable natural gas (RNG) plant. Based on the content of the article, the following SDGs, targets, and indicators can be identified:

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

The project aligns with SDG 7 as it aims to produce renewable natural gas, which contributes to the affordable and clean energy goal. The plant will divert organic waste from landfills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

The project also relates to SDG 9 as it involves the construction of a state-of-the-art anaerobic digestion facility. This facility represents innovation in the renewable energy sector and contributes to sustainable infrastructure.

3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

The project supports SDG 11 by reducing the environmental impact of cities. The anaerobic digestion facility will divert organic waste from local landfills, contributing to sustainable waste management practices.

4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

The project aligns with SDG 12 as it aims to reduce waste generation through the diversion of organic waste from landfills. This contributes to responsible consumption and production practices.

5. SDG 13: Climate Action

The project is connected to SDG 13 as it focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the production of renewable natural gas. This aligns with the goal of taking urgent action to combat climate change.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: cpbj.com