State Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, toured the Cowlitz County Public Utility District (PUD) methane capture project on Thursday.
Abbarno helped secure $4.9 million in this year's supplemental capital budget for Cowlitz County PUD to develop a renewable landfill gas-to-electricity project in partnership with Cowlitz County Public Works Department, according to a news release from Abbarno.
The project's six internal combustion engines will process landfill methane gas, producing approximately 8 megawatts of electricity for the benefit of Cowlitz PUD's customers.
"This project could help generate clean energy for generations," said Abbarno, ranking member on the House Capital Budget Committee. "This is a win-win for affordable energy, the environment and our local economy. I appreciate the opportunity to tour the project and see our state dollars at work for the benefit of our local communities."
The project will take landfill methane gas — currently being flared into the atmosphere — and convert the heat into renewable electricity.
"Washington must continue to diversify its energy portfolio," added Abbarno, also a member of the House Environment and Energy Committee. "This project is innovative, efficient, and will create greater energy security and reliability in southwest Washington."
In addition to state funds, financing of the project will include federal Inflation Reduction Act tax credits and contributions from Cowlitz County and the PUD.
