Brightmark RNG Holdings LLC, a joint venture (JV) between Chevron U.S.A. and Brightmark Fund Holdings LLC,  is expanding its renewable natural gas (RNG) production with five new anaerobic digestion dairy farm projects, the companies announced on May 31 in separate press releases.

Brightmark RNG Holdings is a nationwide system of RNG JVs converting animal waste to renewable fuels, including the Castor Project, the JV’s second-largest RNG project processing manure from one large digester, and Meadow Rock, Red Arrow, Willow Point and SunRyz.

"We're excited to work with our partner Chevron and farmers in Michigan to progress the development of our RNG projects, which are designed to drive both lower carbon intensity outcomes for organic waste and investments in local farmers and their surrounding communities supporting lower carbon solutions," said Bob Powell, founder and CEO of Brightmark LLC.

The Chevron-Brightmark RNG joint venture has 20 RNG projects under its purview located all across the U.S., using anaerobic digestion technology to capture animal manure from partner sites and convert to renewable natural gas, fertilizer and water that are recycled back into agricultural and energy systems for reuse.

The Castor Project involves three farms in Michigan that have signed agreements to supply dairy manure from herds that will be used as feedstock for anaerobic digesters.

"Transitioning to a lower carbon future is dependent, in part, on ambitious innovations and pragmatic solutions," said Andy Walz, president of Chevron Americas Products. "Launching these anaerobic digestion projects with Brightmark can help us develop new solutions for transportation, industry and customers who rely on our products.”

Net greenhouse gas emissions reduction from these projects is equivalent to planting 179,000 acres of forest every year, according to Chevron’s press release.