Cincinnati-based Synthica Energy officially broke ground today on a new Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) facility in San Antonio, named “Synthica San Antonio.” The event was attended by local business leaders and VIPs, along with Synthica co-founders Grant Gibson and Sam Schutte, as they took the first symbolic shovels to the ground for the project, which is slated for completion in 2026. The facility, located at 4318 N IH 35 in Bexar County, will be the first of its kind in the city and is projected to divert nearly 250,000 tons of waste from local landfills annually.
By providing food and beverage manufacturers, along with other industries, a closer and more efficient waste management solution, the facility will reduce transportation costs and cut emissions. Using anaerobic digestion, the facility will convert organic waste into RNG, simultaneously preventing thousands of tons of CO2 and methane from entering the atmosphere. “Synthica Energy is transforming organic waste management by blending innovation and sustainability, and the results speak for themselves—environmental protection, community growth, job creation, and more,” said Grant Gibson, Co-Founder and Chief Development Officer of Synthica Energy. “We’re building a national platform that combines cutting-edge technology with a commitment to sustainability, creating win-win opportunities for the communities we serve.”
“We are excited to welcome Synthica Energy to San Antonio as they launch this groundbreaking Renewable Natural Gas facility,” added Sarah Carabias Rush, Chief Economic Development Officer at greater. “This investment marks a crucial step forward in our region’s focus on sustainable development. Synthica’s state-of-the-art facility, the first of its kind in Greater San Antonio, highlights our commitment to adopting advanced technologies that benefit both our economy and environment. We look forward to the positive impact this project will have and are proud to support Synthica in establishing their presence here.”
Synthica San Antonio is the company’s second RNG facility. The first, “Synthica St. Bernard,” began construction in Cincinnati, Ohio, last year and is expected to be operational by early 2025. Besides San Antonio and Cincinnati, Synthica is targeting Houston, Atlanta, Louisville, and New Orleans for future development. Over the next several years, the company also plans to expand into Florida, Illinois, Missouri, New York, and Pennsylvania.
“We chose San Antonio for its strong manufacturing base, particularly in food and beverage, and for its entrepreneurial and innovative spirit,” said Sam Schutte, Co-Founder and CEO of Synthica Energy. “Our team has been actively engaging with businesses across the region, offering them better waste management solutions while helping the community establish a more sustainable footprint. Food waste is a national issue, and this one-of-a-kind facility provides business leaders with a powerful, sustainable solution. The site where Synthica San Antonio will be built has a history of heavy fossil fuel use, but with our investment, it will now contribute to clean energy production and recycling. This transformation is monumental, and we’re proud to be a part of it.”
The anaerobic digestion technology being implemented in San Antonio is proven and reliable, converting waste into renewable energy. As advancements have been made, modern systems now incorporate improved storage, odor control, and pretreatment solutions, making these digesters well-suited for urban environments.
