Oct. 19, 2009 (PR Newswire) --

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., Oct. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Governor Jay Nixon today cut the ribbon on an innovative, new renewable energy project in Jefferson City, Missouri. This renewable energy project, developed through a partnership between Republic Services, Ameresco, Columbia Water & Light, and the State of Missouri, was recently featured at The White House in a meeting hosted by Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner and Energy Secretary Steven Chu. The project was highlighted for its contribution to creating jobs while helping expand the development of clean, renewable domestic energy.

"This project creates a clean, reliable and consistent source of energy from a naturally occurring byproduct of our landfills," Gov. Nixon said. "I commend this innovative partnership for the benefits it will bring our economy, environment and communities."

Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE: RSG) and Ameresco partnered to develop the landfill gas-to-electricity project that uses a gas byproduct from the Jefferson City Landfill. Landfill gas, which is created when organic material naturally decomposes in a landfill, consists of about 50 percent methane. It is a readily available, reliable local alternative energy source that offsets the need for fossil fuels. The gas can be converted and used in many ways: to generate electricity, heat or steam; or as an alternative vehicle fuel.

"This project is the ultimate in recycling," said Kevin Walbridge, senior vice president Midwest Region, Republic Services. "We are continually researching, developing and implementing innovative technologies to help conserve natural resources."

Ameresco, the nation's largest independent energy services company, designed, built, owns and operates the renewable energy project. First, Ameresco constructed a 3-mile pipeline to carry the landfill gas from the landfill to an engine facility located at the Jefferson City Correctional Center (JCCC). The gas is used to generate 3.2 megawatts of electricity. The green power, which is purchased by Columbia Water & Light, provides enough electricity to meet the needs of nearly 2,000 Columbia Water & Light customers. It also reduces green house gas emissions equivalent to planting 31,000 acres of trees and removing almost 28,000 vehicles each year from Missouri roads.

"Projects like these create a domino effect through the economy because they create jobs and require products and services." said Ameresco's CEO, George Sakellaris.