Danone will convert wastewater from its largest U.S. yogurt manufacturing plant into renewable energy through a new $40m. The facility in Minster, Ohio, has been commissioned by PurposeEnergy, which operates anaerobic digestion infrastructure for food and beverage companies. Once fully operational, the plant will process wastewater and organic food waste residuals into renewable biogas, treated water and nutrient-rich soil amendments.

The biogas produced from the Minster facility will be piped to a dedicated boiler at Danone’s yogurt plant in Minster and will be used to offset conventional natural gas. PurposeEnergy estimates the plant, set to open next spring, is capable of displacing approximately 3,200 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year.

By piping residuals directly from the Danone plant, the project avoids 720 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent each year versus the previous off-site handling route.

PurposeEnergy said the new facility will be capable of processing up to 250,000 gallons of wastewater and residuals per day.