Brightmark RNG Holdings LLC, a collaborative venture between Chevron U.S.A. Inc., a Chevron Corporation subsidiary, and Brightmark Fund Holdings LLC, a subsidiary of Brightmark LLC, is set to escalate renewable natural gas (RNG) production with five new anaerobic digestion projects in western Michigan. These innovative ventures are designed to convert animal waste into renewable fuels, reducing environmental impact.
The Chevron-Brightmark joint venture operates an extensive network of RNG projects across the United States, supporting the shift toward more sustainable energy solutions. Among these, the Castor Project, which processes manure from one large digester, stands Brightmark and Chevron’s second-largest RNG project in their portfolio. Additional projects in Michigan include Meadow Rock, Red Arrow, Willow Point, and SunRyz.
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with our partner Chevron and farmers in Michigan to develop further our RNG projects, aimed at driving lower carbon intensity outcomes for organic waste and investing in local farmers and their communities supporting lower carbon solutions,” stated Bob Powell, founder, and CEO of Brightmark LLC. “We are expanding our strategic relationships with farmers nationwide to advance the reduction of the agricultural industry’s carbon intensity by exploring renewable fuels from new sources and considering circularity challenges on a growing scale.”
Anaerobic digestion is a circular technology that transforms animal manure from partner sites into renewable natural gas, fertilizer, and water. These products can be reintegrated into agricultural and energy systems for reuse. Including these Michigan projects, the Chevron-Brightmark RNG joint venture now oversees 20 RNG projects countrywide.
Andy Walz, President of Chevron Americas Products, shared his insights on the importance of these projects, stating, “The transition to a lower carbon future partly hinges on bold innovations and pragmatic solutions. Initiating these anaerobic digestion projects with Brightmark allows us to develop new solutions for transportation, industry, and customers who depend on our products.”
These dairy farm projects in Michigan are projected to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the processed manure, equating to the impact of planting over 179,000 acres of forest annually. They also anticipate decreasing land application of raw manure and enhancing odor control, water quality, and nutrient management practices at farms.
Greg Stahl, the lead farmer of The Castor Project, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership with Brightmark, stating, “Brightmark is our valued partner in our efforts to advance a lower carbon energy business. We look forward to working with Brightmark and Chevron on these renewable natural gas projects in our shared pursuit to create value from underutilized resources.”
Photo by Dan Gomer on Unsplash
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