WELCOME TO INDEPENDENT ENERGY DEVELOPMENT

An emerging leader in sustainable waste management and developer of revolutionary cleantech processes in North America.

We are pioneering a new era of waste disposal, transforming landfill diversion into a renewable energy goldmine. With our cutting-edge waste-to-value platform, we convert waste into critical resources while stimulating local economies and reducing carbon emissions to a net negative.

COMPANY HISTORY

Independent Energy Development is the brainchild of technological visionaries with substantial experience in constructing and operating biomass refineries and waste recycling facilities.

Our goal? To challenge the status quo of sustainable waste management and contribute to a future where zero waste is a reality.

Our recycling solution is a fusion of technology and innovation. At the heart of it is our groundbreaking gasification technology. This ingenious technology transforms waste into renewable energy, biogas, and engineered fuels that meet or exceed the requirements set by the US EPA Renewable Fuel Standard.

In parallel with our gasification solution, NOVO LLC’s Chemionyx® Water and Solids Treatment Systems enhance the overall output and efficiency of our solution by expanding the range of wastes that can be accepted and processed at a cost equal to or less than the cost of disposal.

This efficient integrated solution is a result of our strategic partnership with Leveraged Green Energy (LGE) and NOVO, allowing our projects to function as independent waste management systems.

ESG STATEMENT

At Independent Energy Development, we place environmental, social, and governance (ESG) concerns at the foundation of our operations.

Managing our impact on the environment is our foremost consideration. We are pioneering a new era of waste disposal, transforming landfill diversion into renewable energy, converting waste into valuable synthetic fuels, and reducing carbon emissions to a net negative.

Our social impact derives from diverse and inclusive practices across all areas of business, including hiring, team building, and work environment. Our core business directly improves social conditions in our communities.

Our governance structures and procedures comply with all legal and regulatory standards. We are particularly attuned to and compliant with all energy and environmental matters. We have a strong culture of responsibility and best practices concerning electronic data systems and all confidential information.

PARTNERS

Our parent entities include Leveraged Green Energy (LGE) – an early venture capital investor in Gasplasma® technology, NOVO LLC – leaders in recycling solutions for oil and gas waste, and experienced industry veterans who collectively have managed the development of over $10 billion in industrial and infrastructure projects in the power generation, manufacturing, desalinization, combined heat and power, and oil and gas industries.

It is through these collaborations that we offer recycling as opposed to disposal solutions that are environmentally friendly with very strong forecasted economics.

MEET THE TEAM

Driving our success is a team diverse in talent but united in purpose, relentlessly pushing boundaries to reshape the waste disposal and recycling landscape.

Richard Nordin, CFA

Managing Director
Partner

Richard Nordin has extensive executive experience in project development and technology deployment across three continents. Fluent in Russian, he has developed capital-intensive projects in Russia and Kazakhstan. He has also invested in emerging technologies in cleantech, renewables, and critical infrastructure.

Richard graduated from Harvard University with a Master’s in Russian and Eastern European Studies. Richard served in the US Army as an Airborne Ranger and retired with the rank of Major. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst and a Registered Investment Banker.

Donald King Esq.

General Counsel
Partner

Don King practiced law at McGuireWoods for more than 40 years before joining Independent Energy as in-house counsel. While at McGuireWoods, he was managing partner of the firm’s office in Brussels, Belgium and chair of the firm’s international department. He has expertise in business transactions, project development, corporate compliance and corporate governance, including significant experience in the energy and infrastructure sectors.

Don graduated from Harvard Law School with a Juris Doctor Degree.

John Vazquez

Director of Engineering
Partner

John Vazquez has 28 years of experience working as an engineer in renewable energy infrastructure development. He managed the successful completion of the Engineering Design & Operations Plan for the Green Hydrogen Biomass project in Weld County. He was instrumental in navigating the regulatory environment in Colorado, and the project is now fully permitted to construct and operate.

John graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering. He is a licensed Professional Engineer.

Logan Clark

Director of Application Engineering, Partner

Logan Clark is a nuclear engineer with significant experience evaluating the integrity and safety of steam generators in nuclear reactors around the world. He is involved with new steam generator design and reactor vessel upgrades, with a focus on safely and securely extending the service life of nuclear reactors.

Logan graduated from Geneva College with a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering. He is completing his Master’s in Material Science Engineering at Colorado State University.

Jake McNair

Director of Environmental Science, Partner

Jake McNair is an environmental scientist specializing in soil contamination, water remediation, and advanced remediation technologies. His expertise encompasses chemical and biological solutions, thermal desorption of contaminated soils, flash vacuum phase change systems, vacuum distillation for contaminated water, and advanced nutrient recovery systems for manure and digested waste. He is also a recognized expert in securing permits for solid waste facilities, air pollution control, and beneficial use determination. 

Jake graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Environmental Science.

Sid Jeffress

Director of Business Development, Partner

Sid Jeffress has decades of experience in the agriculture sector and is an energy industry veteran, having worked in production, completion, supply and service. He has worked in many of the oil and gas basins in the United States. He plays a key role in Independent Energy’s project pipeline expansion, having identified and sourced sites, waste streams, and partners across multiple states.

Sid has an extensive network of energy industry relationships essential to Independent Energy’s ability to quickly source high-quality opportunities throughout the United States.

Ted "Dink" Hixon

Eastern Business Development Manager

Ted Hixon is a 30-year energy industry veteran.  From construction and project management to analyzation, troubleshooting, and repair, he is experienced in all aspects of oil and gas production, and has held key positions throughout the mid-Atlantic production and service region.  A key member of Independent Energy’s Business Development Team, Ted has been instrumental in identifying and securing land sites, waste stream commitments, seed investor interest, and off-take arrangements for projects in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky. He is currently looking to close additional opportunities in Maryland.

Greg Pilz

Director of Strategy

Greg Pilz is a strategic operations leader with experience in the development and deployment of advanced technology. He was responsible for the national rollout of fiber optic networks and led the Strategic Program Office for the largest telecommunications company in North America. As chief of staff for the consumer products division, he helped manage a $5B budget and more than 40K employees. 

Greg graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. He is currently completing a Master’s in Sustainability at Harvard University.

Debra Evans-Rhodes

Director of Organizational Development

Debra Evans-Rhodes brings a wealth of experience from her diverse background, having worked in government, academia, health care, and both the for-profit and non-profit sectors.  Her skill set is equally varied, with expertise in organization, data management, communications, project management, and public affairs.  She excels at directing administrative and operational activities, with a focus on developing goals, organizing and prioritizing critical issues, and improving efficiency.  

Debra graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Doctorate in Social and Personality Psychology.

Richard Millard

Managing Director

Richard Millard has spent nearly 35 years as a developer in challenging political and economic environments, with a track record of securing support and entitlements, delivering projects on time, and within budget. At Independent Energy, he is building support with officials and regulators to develop new opportunities in multiple states.

A US Army veteran, Richard graduated from the University of California – San Francisco and holds a professional certificate from the New York Institute of Finance.

Technical Advisory Board

Gianmaria La Porta
John Anagnostou

INDEPENDENT ENERGY DEVELOPMENT

Innovating today for a cleaner, greener, and sustainable tomorrow.