Vanguard Renewables

Vanguard Renewables is a U.S. leader in the development of projects that convert organic waste into renewable natural gas (RNG). Founded in 2014 by John Hanselman and Kevin Chase, the company aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by transforming food waste and farm manure into a sustainable energy source and supporting regenerative agriculture.

The company's business model is centered around anaerobic digestion technology. It operates through two main business lines: Vanguard Organics, which converts inedible food and beverage waste along with dairy manure into RNG and low-carbon fertilizer, and Vanguard Ag, which focuses on converting manure into RNG. The company forms partnerships with food and beverage manufacturers, retailers, and dairy farms. It builds and operates anaerobic digesters on farm properties, paying the farmers rent, and provides them with free byproducts like animal bedding and nutrient-rich fertilizer, which can significantly cut farm expenses.

In October 2021, Neil H. Smith, former President and CEO of the global energy company InterGen, was appointed as CEO of Vanguard Renewables, bringing extensive experience in developing large-scale energy infrastructure projects. A significant milestone occurred in July 2022 when a fund managed by BlackRock Real Assets acquired the company from Vision Ridge Partners for a reported $700 million, with plans to invest up to an additional $1 billion to finance expansion. This acquisition is set to accelerate the company's growth, with plans to commission more than 100 anaerobic digesters across the U.S. by 2028. In April 2024, Vanguard entered into an equally owned joint venture with the global energy company TotalEnergies to further develop, build, and operate farm-based RNG projects in the United States.

Vanguard Renewables serves a diverse client base that includes food and beverage manufacturers, retail and grocery chains, food distributors, and dairy farms, offering them a comprehensive, zero-landfill solution for their organic waste streams. Its Farm Powered® Strategic Alliance includes major corporations like Unilever, Starbucks, and Dairy Farmers of America, enabling partners to reduce their carbon footprint by recycling organic materials into renewable energy.

Keywords: renewable natural gas, anaerobic digestion, food waste recycling, dairy manure, farm-based renewable energy, organic waste solutions, decarbonization, greenhouse gas reduction, sustainable agriculture, circular economy, bioenergy, biomethane, low-carbon fertilizer, Farm Powered, energy infrastructure, waste-to-energy, ESG, organics recycling, environmental services, renewable energy development