The "Meadowlark Renewables" project promises to drive regional economic growth through job creation and royalty revenues while significantly reducing methane emissions.
In a move that underscores the growing momentum of rural sustainable infrastructure, Greenview Energy and Sparq Renewables have announced a strategic joint venture with Reno County to convert landfill waste into a viable energy source. The partnership, operating under the banner of Meadowlark Renewables, aims to capture methane generated at the county’s waste facility and process it into renewable natural gas (RNG).
The scale of the project promises substantial environmental dividends. Once fully operational, the Meadowlark Renewables facility is projected to process over 210,000 MMBtu of renewable gas annually. To put this into perspective, that output is sufficient to power several thousand homes. Furthermore, the reduction in methane emissions achieved by this capture technology creates a carbon offset equivalent to the air-cleaning power of more than 11,000 acres of healthy forest land.
Beyond the environmental metrics, the project is designed to serve as an economic engine for the Hutchinson area. Casey Moye, CEO of Greenview Energy, emphasized that the collaboration transforms an environmental necessity into a financial asset.
"This project shows how collaboration between public and private stakeholders can turn an environmental opportunity into an economic win," Moye stated. "By converting waste into renewable fuel, we're helping Reno County reduce emissions – improving local air quality and public health – while generating lasting value for the county."
This initiative represents one of Kansas’ first major rural public-private partnerships focused on the intersection of waste management and energy production. By capturing methane—a potent greenhouse gas often vented or flared at traditional landfills—and refining it to meet strict pipeline-quality standards, the facility will inject clean fuel directly into the local utility infrastructure.
The financial structure of the partnership ensures that Reno County receives ongoing royalty revenue from gas sales. These funds are earmarked to support local areas of need and finance public-service improvements, creating a steady revenue stream that relieves pressure on taxpayer funding.
Construction on the facility is expected to conclude within 18 months, pending the finalization of permitting and right-of-way agreements. During this phase, the project will rely heavily on regional labor, employing dozens of skilled workers across civil, mechanical, and electrical trades. Following construction, the plant will offer permanent positions for plant operators and on-site technicians to ensure smooth daily operations.
