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Speedway plant installs methane-powered generator, officials say project will save $200,000 a year
Summary
Town of Speedway wastewater staff and an engineering consultant described a methane-to-energy project that captures digester gas to produce electricity and heat. Officials said the $2,000,000 installation is under construction and expected to be operational before year-end.
Brad Sloan, superintendent of the Speedway wastewater treatment plant, described a new on‑site methane-to-energy project intended to reduce the plant’s electricity purchases and capture waste heat for use on site.
"This project is a $2,000,000 project, and it's guaranteed to save $200,000 a year," Sloan said, citing the plant’s projection for annual savings.
Bridget Ingram, the project engineer from Wessler Engineering, told attendees the system prevents the plant from flaring gas—previously the only option—by cleaning the digester methane and running it through a new generator. "Instead of just having to waste money by flaring off the gas... this gas is able to get used and convert to electricity," Ingram said, adding that the engine’s waste heat will be captured to keep the digester and some buildings warm.
Plant staff said the generator creates a loop: the digester produces methane, the generator converts methane to electricity, and the generator’s heat output helps maintain digester temperatures that support further gas production. Construction is "well underway," and Ingram said the installation is expected to be up and running before the end of the year, with measurable savings beginning in 2026.
Sloan and Ingram framed the project as a way to reduce the plant’s net energy costs and reliance on outside power providers. Sloan invited follow-up questions and provided a phone and email contact for additional information.
No formal votes or funding approvals were recorded in this presentation; officials presented expected costs and savings figures and described construction status and technical benefits as the current public-update items.
