As interest in renewable natural gas (RNG) projects grows, landfill operators and RNG plant stakeholders are seeking ways to improve gas capture and optimize economic returns. However, determining where to invest in system improvements—whether through new well installations, enhanced extraction systems, or leachate management—can be complex and costly without a clear economic framework.

Explore how to evaluate and implement landfill gas (LFG) system upgrades that maximize project ROI. Using engineering economics and real-world case examples, we will outline the financial impacts of increasing LFG throughput in RNG plants. Attendees will learn how to assess factors such as plant capacity, injection specifications, wellfield maturity, and leachate disposal limitations which all factor into the project economics or technical feasibility. We’ll also compare options like redrilling wells versus investing in high-efficiency extraction systems, including long-term O&M considerations.

This presentation is designed to help landfill owners, RNG plant owners/operators, and private-sector partners work together to improve project economics and avoid common pitfalls. We will also discuss how shared revenue agreements and capital/O&M responsibility can affect financial outcomes. Whether you're planning an RNG project or optimizing an existing one, this session offers practical tools to make informed investment decisions and unlock new revenue opportunities.

About the Speaker

Ben Peotter, PE
Client Manager Biogas and Renewable Services | Tetra Tech, Inc.

Ben Peotter has been a professional environmental engineer and innovator in the solid waste and renewable energy space for over 25 years, and has been involved with nationwide biogas resources development projects since 2005. On a regional level, his first renewable biogas project of note began in 2003. Mr. Peotter is a University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate, client liaison and project manager, and successfully completed project elements for solid waste, energy, biogas, environmental, and Brownfield Redevelopment projects around the country. Acting as an RNG Service Lead, he’s involved on assisting owner’s or developers of RNG assets from initial assessments to permitting, design, and commissioning. He has presented at RNG Works, SWANA’s Landfill Gas Symposium, Global Waste Symposium, American Planning Association state and regional conferences, Parks and Recreational Association state conferences, USEPA’s national Brownfield Conference, and other local, state, and regional industry events. Ben prides himself on the ability to thrive and problem-solve complex issues in deadline-driven environments with various stakeholders. In his spare time, you’ll find him hiking, biking, practicing jiu jitsu, and finding random adventures in new spaces.