The City of Springfield is seeking private-sector partners to develop renewable natural gas production facilities at its Noble Hill Sanitary Landfill and Southwest Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The request for proposals was issued as part of the city's effort to capture and use biogas already generated at both facilities, according to a community announcement. City officials said in the announcement that the proposed projects would clean and upgrade landfill gas and wastewater biogas into pipeline-quality renewable natural gas, or RNG, for use as a renewable energy source rather than routinely burning excess gas through flares.
Springfield Environmental Services has spent several years evaluating renewable natural gas opportunities. The city previously
explored a design-build delivery model and completed feasibility studies and conceptual planning in 2023 and 2024, but no contract was awarded and neither facility was built. After additional market analysis and evaluation, the city determined a developer-led approach could better support the project's long-term viability while reducing financial risk, according to the announcement.
Developers may submit proposals for the landfill project, the wastewater treatment plant project or a combined proposal covering both locations.
City shifts to private developer-led model
Under the RFP, the selected developer or developers would be responsible for financing, designing, constructing, operating and maintaining renewable natural gas facilities at the city-owned sites.
The developer also would market the renewable natural gas and manage environmental credits and incentives associated with the projects.
"Renewable natural gas allows us to put an existing resource to productive use while supporting cleaner energy production," Erick Roberts, assistant director of Environmental Services, said in the announcements. "By capturing and upgrading biogas generated at city facilities, we can reduce emissions, expand the use of renewable energy and create long-term benefits for the Springfield community."
Landfill and wastewater plant targeted for RNG production
The Noble Hill Sanitary Landfill has operated since 1975 and is expected to continue generating gas for decades. City officials said in the announcement that recent investments have improved gas collection and management systems at the site.
The Southwest Wastewater Treatment Plant also has received upgrades to its biogas handling systems, creating what officials described in the announcement as a strong foundation for future RNG production.
If built, the facilities would convert landfill gas and wastewater biogas into pipeline-quality renewable natural gas for use in regional energy systems serving homes, businesses and other customers.
“Springfield is joining a growing number of forward-looking communities that are turning everyday municipal operations into clean energy opportunities,” Roberts said in the announcement. “By leveraging both our landfill and wastewater treatment plant and inviting private-sector investment to finance and operate the facilities, the city is pursuing an innovative approach that reduces emissions, creates renewable energy and minimizes financial risk to taxpayers.”
City officials said in the announcement that project goals include reducing routine flaring of landfill and digester gas, expanding renewable energy production, advancing sustainability goals, creating long-term revenue opportunities and establishing public-private partnerships.
Proposal deadline set for Dec. 1
Proposals are due by 5 p.m. Dec. 1. Following evaluations and possible interviews, the city expects to issue a Notice of Intent to Award in January 2027, according to the announcement.
Additional information about the RFP, project background and proposal requirements is available at springfieldmo.gov.
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This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Springfield seeks partners for renewable gas projects
