Fort Worth Will Build Renewable Gas Plant

The city finalized an agreement to convert landfill methane emissions into renewable natural gas starting in July 2027.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Utilities

Bold flat-color editorial illustration showing a singular steel pipe, evoking municipal infrastructure and sustainable resource management. — The City of Fort Worth has finalized an agreement to construct a renewable natural gas plant that will convert landfill methane into fuel by 2027. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you support your local government investing in renewable energy projects at city landfills?

Fort Worth will begin construction on a new renewable natural gas plant at the city landfill in July 2027. The project aims to capture methane emissions to generate new revenue while extending the landfill's service life.

Why it matters

The facility is designed to address the challenges of a growing population and limited landfill capacity. By converting waste emissions into fuel, the city expects to generate millions in annual funding for its solid waste management programs.

The project is expected to generate between $2.5 million and $5 million in annual revenue for the city. This initiative supports a solid waste management budget that recently increased by nearly $10 million from 2026 levels.

The players

Archaea Energy Operating LLC

This company is the private partner that entered into a 2025 agreement with Fort Worth to convert landfill emissions into energy.

The details

The facility will process landfill gas, which is composed of 50% methane and 50% carbon dioxide, into renewable natural gas. This technology replaces the current infrastructure that relies on flaring to manage methane outputs.

In 2022, landfills accounted for 14% of U.S. methane emissions.
The city finalized an agreement with Archaea Energy Operating LLC in 2025.
Construction on the plant is scheduled to begin in July 2027.
The plant is expected to be fully operational by December 2028.

Market Landscape

The city's project follows the pattern set by the 2022 EPA report on landfill methane emissions by seeking to reduce waste-sector greenhouse gases. This move positions Fort Worth to capture long-term value from waste infrastructure as municipalities face rising pressure to optimize landfill management.

Residential solid waste rates in Fort Worth have increased to provide the necessary funding for this landfill capacity expansion. Residents can expect these changes to support long-term waste management sustainability as the city continues to grow.

The takeaway

Turning landfill waste into a revenue-generating utility project offers a modern solution for cities managing limited disposal space. This model highlights how municipal solid waste departments are increasingly integrating energy production into their core operational budgets.