|
 |
|
 Frequent Questions on LFG Energy Projects
What is landfill gas (LFG)?
How can landfill gas be used for
energy?
What are the economic benefits of
using landfill gas as a resource?
What are the environmental benefits
of using landfill gas as an energy resource?
What are the other benefits of
using landfill gas as an energy resource?
Who uses recovered landfill gas?
Are landfill owners/operators required
to develop and implement LFG energy
projects?
What is landfill gas
(LFG)?
Landfill gas is created when organic waste in a municipal solid waste
landfill decomposes. This gas consists of about 50% methane (CH4),
the primary component of natural gas, about 50% carbon dioxide
(CO2), and a small
amount of non-methane organic compounds. Instead of allowing LFG to escape
into the air, it can be captured, converted, and used as an energy
source. Using LFG helps to reduce odors and other hazards associated
with LFG emissions, and helps prevent methane from migrating into the
atmosphere and contributing to local smog and global climate change.
How can landfill gas be used for energy?
Landfill gas is a readily available, local and renewable energy
source that offsets the need for non-renewable resources
such as coal and oil. In fact, LFG is the only renewable
energy source that, when used, directly
prevents atmospheric pollution. Landfill gas can be converted
and used in many ways: to generate electricity, heat, or
steam; as an alternative vehicle
fuel to fuel fleets like school buses, taxis, and mail trucks;
or in niche applications like
microturbines, fuel cells and greenhouses. Of the 2,300 or so currently operating or recently closed MSW landfills in the United States, more than 420 have LFG utilization projects. However, EPA estimates that as many as 535 additional landfills could cost-effectively have their methane turned into an energy resource, producing enough electricity to power more than 808,000 homes across the United States. That is equivalent to the annual greenhouse gas emissions from nearly 10 million passenger vehicles.
What are the economic benefits of using landfill gas as a resource?
Landfill gas projects are a win-win opportunity for all parties
involved, whether they are the landfill owner/operators,
the local utility, the local government, or the surrounding
community. Even before LFG projects produce profits from
the sale or use of electricity, they produce a related benefit
for communities: jobs. Landfill gas projects involve engineers,
construction firms, equipment vendors, and utilities or end-users
of the power produced. Much of this cost is spent locally
for drilling, piping, construction, and operational personnel,
providing additional economic benefits to the community through
increased employment and local sales. Once the LFG system
is in place, the captured gas can be sold for use as heat
or fuel or be converted and sold on the energy market as
a renewable
"green" power. In so doing, the community can turn a financial
liability into an asset.
What are the environmental benefits of
using landfill gas as an energy resource?
Converting LFG to energy offsets the need for non-renewable
resources such as coal and oil, and reduces emissions of air pollutants
that contribute to local smog and acid rain. In addition, LFG projects
help curtail global climate change, because they reduce emissions of methane,
a greenhouse gas more potent than carbon dioxide. LFG projects go hand-in-hand
with community commitments to cleaner air and reductions in greenhouse
gases that cause global climate change.
What are the other benefits of using landfill gas as an energy resource?
By participating in LFG project development, a community is
being innovative and responsible with local resources, and can even enhance
its image as an environmental leader. Reducing LFG emissions by converting
them to energy reduces local ozone levels and smog formation, diminishes
explosion threats and unpleasant odors created by the landfill, and improves
overall landfill management. This makes the area surrounding the landfill
a better place to live. A community that uses its LFG is both a steward
of the environment and a leader in ensuring the well-being of its citizens.
Who uses recovered landfill gas?
Almost any entity can use LFG for a variety of purposes. One
option is for utilities and power providers to purchase the
electricity generated from the recovered LFG. Purchasing
LFG enables utilities and power providers to add a renewable
energy component to their energy portfolios. In addition,
any entity (including municipalities, local industrial customers,
and other organizations) that has a need for a direct and
constant power supply is a good candidate for LFG use. Landfill
gas can be piped directly to a nearby facility for use
as either a boiler or industrial process fuel. Direct use
of LFG is reliable and requires minimal processing and minor
modifications to existing combustion equipment.
Are landfill owners/operators
required to develop and implement LFG energy projects?
Current EPA regulations under the Clean Air Act require many
landfill owners/operators to collect and combust LFG. To comply,
landfill owners/operators can either burn the gas off, by flaring
it, or install
an LFG energy system. Beneficial use of LFG is the only option
that offers communities and landfill owners/operators the opportunity
to reduce the costs associated with regulatory
compliance by turning this landfill byproduct into a marketable
resource.
|
