Waga Energy
First biomethane/RNG production WAGABOX® unit using a hybrid biogas source: Biogas from a landfill and from a methanisation unit, in Clermont-Ferrand, France
Deployment / Application site
- Location: Clermont-Ferrand, Puy-de-Dôme, France
- Partners or clients: VALTOM (public waste authority); joint venture VALTOM Énergie Biométhane
- Site/Plant name: Puy-Long Landfill and Vernéa Waste Management Facility
- Date of installation/tests: Commissioned December 18, 2024
Overview of the case study
The WAGABOX® unit in Clermont-Ferrand is the first in Europe to simultaneously valorize biogas from a landfill and an anaerobic digestion (AD) plant to produce renewable natural gas (RNG). This unique hybrid approach demonstrates the viability of circular energy systems at a local scale, helping decarbonize hard-to-electrify sectors and strengthen energy sovereignty.
Description of solution or innovation
Waga Energy developed a pioneering hybrid WAGABOX® unit that upgrades biogas from two distinct sources: the Puy-Long non-hazardous waste landfill and the Vernéa anaerobic digestion plant. Located only a few hundred meters apart, both gas streams are purified in a single WAGABOX® unit using cryogenic distillation and membrane separation. The resulting biomethane is injected into the local GrDF gas network (Distribution System Operator) and used by households, businesses, and a local BioCNG filling station. This innovation required adapting regulations and technical interfaces to handle dual biogas origins.
Technical specifications
- Technology: WAGABOX® (membrane + cryogenic separation)
- Sources: Landfill gas (Puy-Long) and AD gas (Vernéa)
- Biomethane purity: 98.6% CH₄
- Output: Up to 15 GWh/year ( 51,183 MMBtu/year)
- Injection point: GrDF network
- Co-financing: ADEME (€339k), Caisse des Dépôts (€60k), Enerfip crowdfunding (€180k)
Operational performance and results
- Annual production: 15 GWh of biomethane
- Households covered: ~2,000
- Transport use: Equivalent to 60 buses on BioCNG
- CO₂ emissions avoided: ~2,500 tonnes/year
- Previous valorization: Landfill gas for electricity, AD gas for incinerator; now, both optimized for RNG
- Commissioned on time: December 18, 2024
Testimonial or user quote
Laurent Battut, President, VALTOM: “The commissioning of this innovative facility – the first of its kind in Europe – culminates four years of consulting with governmental departments to change a regulation, which until now, did not enable RNG (biomethane) production by combining biogas from an anaerobic digestion plant and a landfill. Our determination and support from the Puy-de-Dôme Prefecture have paid off and will help VALTOM accelerate the rollout of renewable energies throughout the region, for the benefit of each and every resident. With this innovative project, carried out with Waga Energy, we are actively contributing to the implementation of a 100% local and renewable energy mix, based on our waste.”
Environmental and economic impact
- GHG reduction: 2,500 tonnes CO₂ eq./year
- Energy independence: Local production avoids fossil gas imports
- Circularity: Trucks that collect bio-waste are powered by gas derived from that waste
- Revenue: Generated by RNG sales via the joint venture
Future potential or plans
- Scalability: Demonstrates replicability for other sites with multiple biogas sources
- Policy innovation: Regulatory change catalyzed by VALTOM may pave the way for similar hybrid RNG projects
- Community involvement: Proven model for engaging citizens through crowdfunding
About Waga Energy
Waga Energy (EPA: WAGA) produces grid-compliant renewable natural gas from landfill gas using patented WAGABOX® technology. With 31 units in operation across France, Spain, Canada, and the USA; and 19 units under construction. Waga Energy contributes actively to the energy transition and fight against climate change.