East Energy Renewables has unveiled its $46 million Carolina Poultry Power RG2 plant in Wilson, a cutting-edge facility designed to turn poultry waste into sustainable energy. Situated on a 10-acre site near Wilson’s water reclamation facility, the plant aims to produce approximately 180 megawatt-hours of electricity annually—enough to power 16,000 homes.
The facility’s innovative approach addresses both energy needs and environmental concerns. By converting poultry litter into fuel, the plant diverts 100,000 tons of waste annually that would otherwise contribute to waterway pollution. Traditionally used as fertilizer, poultry litter contains excess phosphorus and potassium, which can harm aquatic ecosystems. Instead, the waste is repurposed into clean energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The plant also integrates reclaimed water from Wilson’s adjacent water treatment facility into its operations, contributing to a more sustainable and circular economy. This approach minimizes environmental impact while supporting the region’s nutrient management goals.
Construction of the Wilson facility began two years ago and officially started operations in late 2023, with minor equipment adjustments still being finalized to reach full capacity. Currently, the plant employs 25 individuals, many of whom were hired locally.
This is the second poultry waste-to-energy plant by East Energy Renewables, following a similar project launched in Farmville in 2017. A third facility is under construction in La Grange, highlighting the company’s commitment to expanding sustainable energy solutions across the region.
The Carolina Poultry Power RG2 plant was partially funded through a $25 million loan from the Rural Energy for America Program, enabling the purchase and installation of state-of-the-art equipment.
