SMITHFIELD, Va. – Monarch Bioenergy represents a joint venture between Smithfield Foods Inc. and Roeslein Alternative Energy (RAE) originally announced in April of 2019. Monarch captures methane gas from hog manure and converts it to renewable natural gas (RNG) on Smithfield hog operations in the state of Missouri. A recent $45 million investment will enable Monarch to increase its RNG projects to include 85 percent of Smithfield’s hog finishing business in the state.

“Smithfield and RAE have been innovating ‘manure-to-energy’ technology together in Missouri since 2014,” said Kraig Westerbeek, senior director of Smithfield Renewables and hog production environmental affairs for Smithfield Foods. “Our companies have a longstanding commitment to renewable energy, and we’re thrilled to be one step closer to having nearly all our Missouri finishing farms engaged in producing RNG.”

Smithfield currently operates five manure-to-energy projects in Missouri. The new investment and consequent activity will continue to increase the company’s RNG production at farms throughout the state. The RNG project is part of Smithfield’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions 25 percent by 2025.

Monarch Bioenergy leverages Smithfield’s hog farm infrastructure to capture the methane emissions and convert them to pipeline-quality natural gas that can then be distributed to RNG markets throughout the country.

“The scale of Smithfield’s operations and our expertise in renewable energy production have created the ideal partnership to have a tangible impact on carbon emissions,” said Rudi Roeslein, president of RAE. “The latest phase of Monarch Bioenergy demonstrates our shared commitment to creating a sustainable future for families with new sources of renewable energy.”

Monarch Bioenergy is part of Smithfield Renewables, a platform the company uses to accelerate renewable energy technology and carbon footprint reduction. Smithfield also has ongoing renewable natural gas projects North Carolina, Utah and Virginia.