Vanguard Renewables Announces Decision to Withdraw from Kurtland Farms Project

Vanguard Renewables has announced it will no longer move forward with plans to develop an anaerobic digester project in Caernarvon Township, Pennsylvania. The company remains focused on expanding its clean energy footprint across the Commonwealth and beyond.

The proposed project was part of a partnership with Kurtland Farms, a multigenerational dairy farm located between Elverson and Morgantown. The state-of-the-art anaerobic digestion facility was expected to create approximately 100 temporary construction jobs, 6 permanent positions, and generate new tax revenue for the township.

"Our family has worked diligently for the last four years with many industry experts to ensure the design of a safe, reliable, and sustainable project at our farm that would benefit our land and region overall,” said Jared Kurtz, owner of Kurtland Farms. “We are disappointed to end our work with Vanguard Renewables creating a facility benefiting the long-term viability of our family farm and at the same time, find a solution for handling food waste, reducing our reliance on imported fertilizer and increasing domestic energy production. Our family's commitment to our community, the land and the future of Pennsylvania’s Dairy industry will remain steadfast as we look toward the future and build upon our multi-generational legacy."

Vanguard Renewables has been developing and operating anaerobic digestion projects in partnership with American farms for over a decade. The company builds, owns, and operates each facility, working directly with multigenerational farms to co-locate systems that process food and farm waste into pipeline-ready renewable natural gas.

Farmers benefit from long-term land leases, reduced input costs through access to liquid fertilizer and animal bedding, and reduction in on-farm odors. For surrounding communities, these projects help divert food waste from landfills, reduce methane emissions, create local jobs and increase local tax revenue.

The Kurtland Farms project had received broad support from state officials and regional organizations, including the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay and the Center for Dairy Excellence. It aligned with Pennsylvania’s growing focus on clean energy and supported the goals outlined in Governor Shapiro’s “Lightning Plan,” which aims to create energy jobs, lower consumer costs, and position the Commonwealth as a national leader in next-generation infrastructure.

“Kurtland Farms has long been recognized for the responsible stewardship of their land and animals, as well as their commitment to transparency and community engagement,” said Jayne Sebright, Executive Director at The Center for Dairy Excellence. “Their pursuit of an on-farm anerobic digester alongside Vanguard Renewables reflects a forward-thinking approach to sustainability and a willingness to explore solutions that support regenerative agriculture. We commend the Kurtz family for their leadership and remain supportive of efforts like this that help ensure the long-term strength and viability of Pennsylvania’s dairy farms for generations to come.”

Vanguard Renewables echoed that sentiment, reflecting on the partnership and the broader mission behind the project.

“The Kurtz family has been a tremendous partner since the inception of this project,” said Mike O’Laughlin, Chief Executive Officer at Vanguard Renewables. “While we are disappointed the project will not move forward, we remain confident in our ability to deliver meaningful solutions that turn food and farm waste into renewable energy and value-added agricultural products. We look forward to continuing our work in Pennsylvania and across the country to support farmers, strengthen local economies, and advances U.S. energy independence.”

Vanguard Renewables will continue to evaluate new opportunities across the Commonwealth and remains committed to working alongside state and local partners to bring forward projects that support landfill diversions, energy security, and long-term viability of American farms. The company currently operates seven sites nationwide, with additional projects under construction and development across more than 30 markets.