This subset — critical urban and suburban infrastructure — could process local food waste along with that sewage. They could then turn the methane biogases emitted by all these organics into clean energy or fuel. Capital Region Water’s facility in Harrisburg, PA is a shining example for what can be done.
Municipalities across the United States are grappling today with aging infrastructure, rising costs, and increasing pressure to reduce their emissions. And with the right combination of partners and municipal leadership, using innovative solutions, they can turn their existing wastewater infrastructure from liabilities into assets.
Capital Region Water (CRW), a municipal authority serving the Harrisburg region, operates a facility capable of processing tens of millions of gallons per day. But like many wastewater utilities, CRW historically treated the biogases emitted by its decomposing organics, as something it needed to handle, but that was of little value. For years, CRW had an energy recovery system at the plant. However, after decades of operation, the system was nearly inoperable.
Then, as part of a larger plant upgrade process, CRW found that its infrastructure could be modernized so that the methane biogases the plant generates could be captured and upgraded into pipeline-quality renewable natural gas (RNG). It also had the potential to accept regionally abundant food wastes (think chocolate bars and potato chips). These could be co-processed with the sewage, bolstering energy production and maximizing its economic benefits while also advancing climate and sustainability goals.
Turning that opportunity into a viable, operational project required more than just technology—it required leadership, coordination, and a significant investment over the course of seven years from initial concept to reality. Over these years, Energy Vision played an important role in bringing this $27 million project to fruition. It was an exciting initiative for the CRW and for us.
From the outset, Energy Vision played a central role in helping Capital Region Water define and execute a strategy that maximized value while minimizing risk. In close collaboration with the global engineering firm, Arcadis, this included evaluating technology pathways, identifying optimal commercial structures, navigating incentives and policy frameworks, and helping select the right partners.
Equally important, we were able to translate a technically complex concept in a way that municipal leaders could understand – clarifying the benefits in terms of infrastructure, energy markets, environmental progress, and public finance. These domains are often “siloed” within municipal organizations.
The Harrisburg Capital Region project became operational in December 2025 achieving multiple benefits. It not only generates more renewable energy. It will also strengthen the financial position of the utility, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and divert local organic wastes from landfills. With an expected payback of under six years, this project is not just a success story—it is a blueprint for replication in municipalities across the country.
