JBS Beef and Poultry Plants in US Now Producing Renewable Gas
JBS USA has announced a partnership with GreenGasUSA to produce renewable natural gas at multiple beef and poultry processing plants. The collaboration will involve collecting methane from wastewater streams at JBS facilities using GreenGasUSA’s on-site upgrading systems to purify biogas into pipeline-quality renewable natural gas.
The company plans to install GreenGasUSA’s systems at JBS-owned processing plants in Nebraska, South Carolina, and Utah, with the project expected to be completed next year. This move towards renewable natural gas is part of JBS and other meatpackers’ efforts to explore sustainable solutions and generate additional revenues.
GreenGasUSA, a provider of renewable natural gas assets, will help JBS reduce methane emissions from organic waste lagoons through advanced Technology and Innovation. By diverting methane from processing plants and injecting the transformed fuel into existing energy pipelines, the partnership aims to offset a significant amount of fossil fuels annually.
JBS CEO Wesley Batista Filho expressed enthusiasm for the innovative approach, which transforms unused food production byproducts into a valuable resource. The pilot project will involve implementing GreenGasUSA’s systems at beef facilities in Nebraska and Utah, as well as a Pilgrim’s Pride chicken plant in South Carolina, with construction set to be completed by 2025.
These Sustainability efforts come amidst increasing pressure from environmental activists on JBS’ environmental record, particularly in relation to the company’s plan to list shares on the New York Stock Exchange. Climate groups have called for greater action from the livestock industry on Climate Change, urging financial institutions to stop financing global meat and dairy companies like JBS.
SOURCE
Maria Sanchez completed her Bachelor’s degree in Plant Sciences from the University of California, Davis, in the USA. Her studies focused on plant genetics and biotechnology, with an emphasis on developing disease-resistant crop varieties. Maria has contributed to several research projects aimed at improving crop resilience to climate change and is now pursuing her Master’s degree in Plant Breeding.