Leyline Renewable Capital, the leading provider of development stage capital for renewable energy projects, announced its role in funding the development of two facilities in North Carolina to convert landfill gas to renewable natural gas. The facilities, developed by Oregon-based Evensol LLC and currently in construction phase, will bring high-demand clean energy production to the state and enhance sustainability at existing landfills in the area.
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Leyline’s investment funded the initial development of the Foothills Renewables Project and the Upper Piedmont Renewables Project in Caldwell County and Person County, respectively. Both projects focus on capturing landfill gas, a natural byproduct of the decomposition of organic material in landfills, and converting it into renewable natural gas. The renewable natural gas produced, fully interchangeable with conventional natural gas, can then be used to power vehicles and generate electricity without the need for fracked fuel.
“Both the Foothills and Upper Piedmont projects take landfill gases and convert them to a clean energy source that can provide fuel and electricity to North Carolinians,” said Erik Lensch, chief executive officer of Leyline Renewable Capital. “As a North Carolina-based company, we’re excited to support sustainability initiatives close to home, and are committed to supporting projects that meet our environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria. Our work with Evensol is a great example of this.”
Leyline’s investment served as a catalyst for the projects with its initial investment in 2018. Beyond financial resources, Leyline used its extensive experience in the market and local connections to identify the gas injection site for the Foothills Renewables Project. As Evensol, the project’s developer, is based in Oregon, Leyline’s local presence was critical to keeping the project moving.
Leyline’s funding and strategic counsel has allowed the project to successfully continue into construction, which began in July 2021. Construction is expected to conclude and both facilities should be fully operational by Q4 2022. Both projects are projected to produce between 1,100 and 1,300 dekatherms of natural gas a day. Notably, the Foothills Renewables Project will deliver renewable natural gas via a virtual pipeline to optimize natural gas supply and demand in the region.