Viridi Energy Acquires Maine Digester Facility for Industry-Leading Biosolids-to-RNG Project

Viridi Energy (“Viridi” or “the firm”), a leading renewable natural gas (RNG) platform, announced today that it has acquired a legacy biosolids digester plant in Brunswick, Maine, with plans to transform the site into an industry-leading waste-to-RNG facility. The facility will generate valuable renewable energy and help power the local community, offer a sustainable and cost-effective solution for managing biosolids, and support compliance with local regulations aimed at mitigating per-and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) contamination in the region.

In connection with the acquisition, Casella Waste Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: CWST) (“Casella”), a regional solid waste, recycling, and resource management services company, will manage feedstock collection and delivery logistics for an estimated 85,000 tons of biosolids per year collected from a network of wastewater treatment plants. At Viridi’s overhauled Brunswick facility, the biosolids will be transformed, via anaerobic digestion, into enough energy to heat more than 3,000 homes for a year. The facility will also supply electricity directly to Brunswick Landing, the 3,300-acre campus featuring more than 1.6 million square feet of commercial, industrial, and professional office space that is home to both the Brunswick facility and more than 160 other companies.

“Viridi continues to lead the industry with innovative solutions that help overcome challenges in both the waste management and energy sectors, and this project signals the team’s ongoing emphasis on diversifying our waste feedstocks and expanding our processing capabilities to meet growing renewable energy needs,” said Dan Crouse, CEO of Viridi. “We are excited to be working with Casella, whose established track record in successfully managing multifaceted waste streams will be pivotal to our success. Casella has been at the forefront of finding a sustainable solution to this issue since the law prohibiting land application of biosolids was enacted and has played a significant role in bringing this vital piece of infrastructure online.”

In addition to fulfilling growing demand for RNG, this project will yield numerous environmental benefits across Maine. Once completed, the facility will offer an innovative solution for managing waste that complies with Maine’s PFAS regulations while allowing Casella to once again put the material to a higher and better use for its customers rather than send it directly to disposal.