Winning Projects Harness Energy from Landfill Gas
Seven innovative landfill methane capture projects were recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for generating renewable energy while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, according to a Jan. 12 press release.
The winners included a project that converts landfill gas to fuel for county vehicles and one of the largest multiple-customer landfill gas use projects in the country.
"Our award winners demonstrate that through partnerships and innovation we can transform waste into environmental wealth," said Robert J. Meyers, principal deputy assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Air and Radiation. "These projects, and others like them, not only address climate change, but also produce renewable energy and economic benefits for the local community."
Methane, a primary component of landfill gas (LFG), is a greenhouse gas with more than 20 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide. Methane emissions from landfills represent an opportunity to capture and use a significant energy resource. Instead of allowing LFG to escape into the air, it can be captured, converted, and used as an energy source.
EPA has assisted in the development of more than 360 LFG energy projects over the past 13 years. Currently, there are approximately 470 LFG energy projects operational in the United States. Electricity projects generate an estimated 11.5 billion kilowatt-hours per year, equivalent to powering 915,000 households. Direct use projects deliver 80 billion cubic feet per year of LFG, equivalent to heating more than 700,000 homes. EPA estimates that 520 additional landfills present attractive opportunities for project development.
The Landfill Methane Outreach Program winners are:
Projects of the Year
Granger, Conestoga Landfill Gas Utilization Project, Morgantown, Penn.
Green Energy Center, High Btu Landfill Gas Energy Project, Grove City, Ohio
Greenville Gas Producers, LLC and County of Greenville, Greenville, S.C.
Industry Partner
Casella Waste Systems, Inc., Angelica, Morrisonville, and Seneca, N.Y.; and Hampden, Maine.
Energy Partner
Lansing Board of Water and Light, Lansing, Mich.
Mars Snackfood US, Waco, Texas
Community Partner
Seward County Landfill, Seward County, Kan.