October 27, 2026. Virginia Natural Gas (VNG), Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD) and Johnson Controls celebrated the groundbreaking of a renewable natural gas (RNG) facility at HRSD’s Atlantic Treatment Plant in Virginia Beach.
The innovative project brings together three organizations with a shared commitment to sustainability, innovation and community impact. Once operational, the facility will capture biogas generated through wastewater treatment processes and upgrade it into pipeline-quality natural gas for injection into VNG’s distribution system, creating a new local source of energy while reducing greenhouse gas emissions generated through the wastewater treatment process.
The project marks VNG’s first renewable natural gas facility and is being developed through Virginia’s Sustainable Gas Program, established under the Virginia Energy Innovation Act.
The facility is expected to produce more than 200,000 MMBtu of natural gas annually, enough energy to heat about 5,000 homes each year. The project will also significantly reduce on-site flaring by creating a beneficial use for biogas produced during wastewater treatment operations.
“This renewable natural gas partnership once again demonstrates how Virginia Beach is open for business and on the leading edge of innovation,” said Bobby Dyer, Mayor of Virginia Beach. “By bringing together industry leaders, investing in sustainable infrastructure and creating new jobs, this project strengthens our local economy while helping build a more resilient and sustainable future for our community.”
Johnson Controls will construct and operate the RNG production facility, leveraging its expertise in sustainable infrastructure and advanced energy technologies. Mead & Hunt will provide construction management and inspection services, helping ensure the successful delivery of the project through construction and commissioning.
Construction of the facility is expected to create approximately 268 jobs, with an additional 18 permanent positions supporting ongoing operations. Johnson Controls will construct and operate the RNG production facility, while VNG will own the RNG production infrastructure and build and operate the interconnection facilities that will deliver natural gas into its pipeline system. VNG will retain exclusive rights to the RNG and its attributes, which may be sold to customers or third parties to reduce their carbon footprint.