Synthica Energy, a leading developer of anaerobic digestion that convert organic waste into renewable natural gas (RNG), broke ground on their new facility in Rome on Wednesday.
The new facility is located at W. Hermitage Rd NE & Old Shannon Rd. in Floyd County. It will divert up to 300,000 tons of industrial organic waste each year when completed.
Operations is expected to begin in late 2025.
The Rome facility is Synthica’s third project, joining sites currently under construction in Cincinnati and San Antonio.
The Air Quality Permit was issued for the purpose of establishing enforceable emission limitations and covers the full operation of an anaerobic digestion facility consisting of two digesters, two tanks, and a boiler. Synthica is currently working with manufacturers across Greater Atlanta on contracts to handle their organic waste feedstocks, including everything from food and beverage manufacturing byproducts and expired/damaged produce to spent yeast, expired beer and other depackaged beverage products.
“The approval of the air permit for Synthica Energy’s anaerobic digestion facility in Rome, Georgia, marks a significant milestone in our commitment to sustainable development,” said Missy Kendrick, President & CEO, Rome Floyd County Development Authority. “The partnership with Synthica aligns with our mission to foster innovation and environmental responsibility. Our existing and future industries now have a resource to support their environmentally friendly corporate policies. Together, we are shaping a cleaner, more resilient future for Rome and Floyd County. This project exemplifies our dedication to progressive industry practices that benefit both our community and the planet. We look forward to the positive impact this venture will bring to our region.”
The anaerobic digester like the one being built in Rome will use time-tested technology that transforms waste into renewable energy. Synthica has already broken ground on its flagship location in Cincinnati, Ohio, and is developing similar facilities in a dozen other markets, including San Antonio, Houston, New Orleans and Louisville.
“Demand for a facility like this is significant across the Atlanta region,” said Grant Gibson, co-founder and chief development officer at Synthica Energy. “Despite being home to hundreds of manufacturers, there are currently no anaerobic digestion plants within 50 miles of downtown Atlanta. That means operating a food and beverage manufacturing plant in this region is more expensive than other markets because of the increased cost of hauling away and disposing of byproducts. Combine that cost savings with the environmental impact of anaerobic digestion and the new production of RNG, and this solution is a win for manufacturers, for the Rome community and for the environment.”
