Toyota turns trash into traction

Anaergia supplies renewable gas to Toyota’s Tri-Gen system, marking a new era of industrial decarbonization through off-site waste conversion.

13 May 2025

Toyota has begun using renewable gas produced from food waste and sewage sludge at an off-site facility to power its hydrogen and energy production plant in California, in a move aimed at lowering industrial emissions.

The company’s Tri-Gen system at the Port of Long Beach is now running on renewable natural gas (RNG) supplied by Anaergia, a Canadian waste-to-energy provider. The fuel is produced at Anaergia’s Victor Valley facility, located inland from Los Angeles, and delivered to Tri-Gen via the existing natural gas network.

Tri-Gen, designed and built by US firm FuelCell Energy, generates electricity, heat, and hydrogen. The system reached full commercial operation earlier this year and was recently recognised with a 2025 Better Project Award by the US Department of Energy for sustainable innovation.

Rather than processing waste on site, Toyota’s facility depends on Anaergia’s Omnivore technology, which processes more than 235,000 tonnes of organic material annually. The waste, which would otherwise be sent to landfill, is converted into low-carbon fuel that now supports Toyota’s broader zero-emissions goals.

“This isn’t just about renewable gas, it’s about redefining how we power industry,” said Andrew Benedek, chief executive of Anaergia. “By turning waste into energy and delivering it where it’s needed, we’re enabling real progress on emissions and resilience.”

The project reflects a growing trend in industrial decarbonisation, particularly in California, where the state’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard provides financial incentives for low-emissions fuel production. The use of off-site RNG allows large manufacturers to decarbonise without overhauling existing infrastructure.

While challenges remain, including competition for organic feedstock and management of byproducts, Toyota’s partnership with Anaergia highlights the potential for cross-sector collaboration to accelerate industrial climate efforts.

As manufacturers search for scalable clean energy solutions, off-site waste conversion is becoming a viable option. The integration of Anaergia’s supply into Toyota’s Tri-Gen system may serve as a blueprint for similar efforts across heavy industry.