Landfill Gas to Energy Project(s) - Environmental Management

Rowan County, North Carolina is seeking proposals for a Landfill Gas to Energy (LFGTE) project to develop and manage gas collection, processing, and conversion systems at the Rowan County Landfill. The county is requesting comprehensive proposals that cover finance, design, permitting, construction, ownership, operation, and management of landfill gas (LFG) collection and processing equipment, with the goal of converting gas into revenue-generating products through direct thermal use, electricity generation, or renewable natural gas production. Proposers must demonstrate minimum qualifications, including experience with at least three LFGTE projects in the past decade, Gas Collection and Control System (GCCS) operation expertise under NSPS/NESHAP requirements, and proven financing capabilities. The RFP evaluation will occur in two tiers, with a 100-point scoring system that assesses project technology feasibility (20 points), proposer experience (20 points), GCCS operation and expansion (20 points), cost proposal (15 points), corporate financial position (15 points), and draft contract screening (10 points). Key dates include a non-mandatory pre-proposal conference and landfill tour on January 7, 2026, a question submission deadline of February 4, 2026, county responses published by February 13, 2026, and proposal submissions due by February 25, 2026, at 2:00 PM EST.

The contract is anticipated to have a 20-year term, with potential for renewal options proposed by respondents. While no specific set-aside designations were mentioned, proposers must submit four sealed hard copy proposals and an electronic copy to the Rowan County Purchasing Department. The landfill currently generates approximately 812 SCFM of landfill gas at 50% methane equivalent, with projected peak generation of 3,200 SCFM around 2040. The county anticipates deriving income through multiple potential revenue streams, including per-BTU payments, percentage of gross revenue from electricity or product gas sales, ground lease payments, and lump-sum payments. Baseline recovery scenarios assume 75% collection efficiency with estimated GCCS expenditures of approximately $2 million in 2033 and $4 million in future years, while enhanced recovery scenarios target 90% collection efficiency with total expenditures around $6 million. The landfill property spans approximately 375 acres with permitted capacity for nine phases totaling 15.071 million cubic yards, with active waste placement currently in Phases IV and V and anticipated capacity through 2032 for permitted phases and 2051 for full buildout.