Virginia Natural Gas Starts Work on RNG Facility
Construction is underway at the Atlantic Treatment Plant to convert wastewater biogas into renewable natural gas.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Utilities
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Virginia Natural Gas has begun construction on a new renewable natural gas facility located at the Hampton Roads Sanitation District's Atlantic Treatment Plant. The site is designed to capture biogas from wastewater treatment processes and upgrade it for injection into the utility's pipeline network.
Why it matters
The project is a development under Virginia's Sustainable Gas Program, which was established by the Virginia Energy Innovation Act to expand renewable energy capacity. Once complete, the facility aims to provide enough energy to heat 5,000 homes annually.
The new facility is projected to produce 203,455 MMBtu of renewable natural gas annually, providing enough energy to heat 5,000 homes. Construction is expected to create 268 jobs, with 18 permanent roles planned once the site is operational.
The players
Virginia Natural Gas
A natural gas utility provider that serves customers in southeastern Virginia and owns the production infrastructure for this project.
Hampton Roads Sanitation District
A regional political subdivision responsible for wastewater treatment services, hosting the facility at its Atlantic Treatment Plant.
Johnson Controls
A global company focused on smart buildings and industrial solutions that has been contracted to construct and operate the new facility.
Mead and Hunt
A professional services and engineering consulting firm tasked with providing construction management and inspection for the site.
The details
Virginia Natural Gas owns the production infrastructure, while Johnson Controls will lead construction and facility operations. Mead and Hunt will provide the necessary construction management and inspection services for the project, which involves building a pipeline interconnection.
Timeline
Groundbreaking for the renewable natural gas facility occurred in October 2026.
The facility is scheduled to enter service in summer 2027.
Market Landscape
The project aligns with the objectives set by the Virginia Energy Innovation Act, signaling a broader industry shift toward capturing biogas from wastewater treatment. This infrastructure development positions the utility to meet sustainability targets while expanding the local renewable energy supply chain.
The project is expected to add renewable gas to the distribution system, impacting how energy is sourced for regional residential heating. While construction creates hundreds of short-term jobs, residents may eventually see benefits from increased renewable energy integration in their utility supply.
The takeaway
This project transforms wastewater byproduct into a viable heating resource for thousands of homes in Virginia Beach. It demonstrates a practical application of state energy policy aimed at scaling renewable infrastructure within existing treatment facilities.
What happens next
The facility is expected to enter service in summer 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about local utility infrastructure updates on the Utilities page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Bioenergy Insight.
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