Manure to Megawatts? $27M Deal Supercharges RNG Push

Aemetis and Centuri team up to clean biogas at 15 dairies, fueling California’s methane-cutting goals.

24 May 2025

A $27 million partnership is giving new life to cow manure in California's Central Valley. Aemetis Biogas has teamed up with Centuri Holdings to install advanced gas purification systems at 15 dairy farms, accelerating the production of renewable natural gas (RNG) and turning a major pollution source into clean energy.

Methane from livestock is one of the most potent greenhouse gases. But when captured and cleaned, it transforms into a powerful energy source that can run trucks, heat homes, and replace fossil fuels. The trick lies in the cleanup: removing contaminants from raw biogas so it meets strict fuel standards.

That’s where Centuri’s technology comes in. The company is supplying modular systems that Aemetis says will simplify operations, cut costs, and unlock scale. The goal? Move beyond small pilot projects to commercial-scale RNG production that pays off both financially and environmentally.

“This is about reliability, scalability, and meeting demand,” said an executive familiar with the deal. “You can’t build a clean fuel future if the supply isn’t consistent.”

California has set ambitious climate targets, including a 40 percent cut in methane emissions by 2030 under Senate Bill 1383. The dairy sector, once a climate villain, is now emerging as a key part of the solution.

For Centuri, the deal strengthens its position in the fast-growing RNG market. For Aemetis, it’s a chance to tap into California’s carbon credit programs while proving that manure can be more than just waste. It can be a cornerstone of clean energy.

Experts say this collaboration could spark further investment in biogas infrastructure, helping RNG gain traction across the state. Regulatory and financial hurdles remain, but the direction is clear.

As California pushes toward a lower-carbon future, this unlikely alliance between dairy farms and energy tech might just be the engine driving change.