County RNG Facility Shows Strong Performance Despite Solar Challenges

Will County’s Renewable Natural Gas facility is exceeding production targets while officials explore options to reduce substantial electricity costs that currently impact profitability.

Project manager Greg Komperda told Finance Committee members July 1 that the facility has operated at 94-95% capacity for three consecutive months, representing full operational capacity. Production has consistently exceeded both targets and minimum contractual obligations.

“We met our production targets in April, May, and June,” Komperda reported. The facility generated $5.26 million in revenue through June 20 against $3.89 million in expenses, though debt service payments result in approximately $1.2 million negative cash flow.

County Board member Julie Berkowicz questioned whether solar power could help offset electricity costs, noting the facility’s consumption of 3,500 kilowatts per hour. Dave Hartke, director of Land Use, explained that meeting those power needs would require 40-50 acres of solar panels.

“You’re probably looking at a solar farm around maybe 40 50 acres maybe around there to supply the electricity for the plant,” Hartke said. “At this point there’s no room around unless we’ve had to create a solar farm adjacent property.”

Any solar development faces complications from uncertainty about potential landfill expansion. Officials indicated they prefer to wait until expansion decisions are made before committing to permanent solar installations.

Daniel Butler noted that a complete solar installation could cost hundreds of millions of dollars, questioning the return on investment. Officials acknowledged that even partial solar power could help reduce costs but emphasized the need for careful analysis of long-term planning.

The facility successfully hosted tours in June and has improved spare parts inventory planning to reduce downtime risks. Despite minor operational challenges including utility outages and equipment repairs, the facility has maintained strong performance metrics above the 92% target runtime.