BP-owned Archaea launches largest RNG plant in Kansas

Archaea Energy, owned by BP, on April 30 unveiled its largest original Archaea Modular Design (AMD) renewable natural gas (RNG) plant to date in Shawnee, Kansas, situated just outside of Kansas City. The plant, fully owned by Archaea, is located adjacent to a privately-owned landfill.

Landfill gas, a byproduct of waste decomposition, is a potent greenhouse gas. Utilising the AMD technology, the Shawnee plant captures landfill gas and converts it into RNG. 

The Shawnee facility, three times the size of Archaea's inaugural AMD plant in Medora, Indiana, operational since October 2023, has a capacity to process 9,600 ft³/minute of landfill gas into RNG, BP said in a statement.

Traditionally, RNG plants have been custom-built, but the AMD technology enables plants to be constructed on skids with interchangeable components. This standardised modular design accelerates construction compared to previous industry standards, BP said. AMD plants are available in three sizes – 3,200 ft³/minute; 6,400 ft³/minute; and 9,600 ft³/minute – offering flexibility to meet varying demands.

Following its acquisition of Archaea Energy, BP has emerged as the largest producer of RNG in the US. The company reported an 80% year/year increase in global biogas supply volumes in 2023, driven by the Archaea uplift.