LFGcost-Web — Landfill Gas Energy Cost Model
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Background
LFGcost was initially developed in 2002 to help stakeholders estimate the costs of an LFG energy project. LMOP routinely updates the tool to reflect changes in the LFG energy industry. In 2015, LMOP undertook a peer review of LFGcost-Web, Version 3.0. For more information on the peer review, see the Emission Guidelines and Compliance Times for Municipal Solid Waste Landfills rule docket(Docket ID# EPA-HQ-OAR-2014-0451-0210). See more information about LFGcost-Web’s version history and peer review.
What's New
LFGcost-Web, Version 3.5, replaced Version 3.4 in March 2021. Significant revisions between Version 3.5 and Version 3.4 include:
- Updated the economic benefits analysis for reciprocating engine and direct-use projects and added a new economic benefits analysis for renewable natural gas (RNG) projects. The RNG project economic benefits build on the updates made to the RNG cost calculations in the model in October 2020.
- Removed the leachate evaporator project type from the model given its outdated cost basis.
Project Types
LFGcost-Web allows users to choose from 11 LFG energy project types and gives users the option of including costs for a new gas collection and flaring system.
| LFG Energy Project Types |
|---|
| Direct-use system (boiler, greenhouse, etc.) |
| Boiler retrofit |
| RNG processing plant (upgrading gas to pipeline quality) |
| Onsite compressed natural gas (CNG) production and fueling station |
| Electricity generation – Standard turbine-generator sets |
| Electricity generation – Standard reciprocating engine-generator sets |
| Electricity generation – Microturbine-generator sets |
| Electricity generation – Small reciprocating engine-generator sets |
| CHP – Reciprocating engine-generator sets |
| CHP – Turbine-generator sets |
| CHP – Microturbine-generator sets |
Model Outputs
The model calculates LFG generation profiles based on landfill characteristics and other user inputs and then determines various project-specific outputs.
| Primary Model Outputs |
|---|
| Design and average project sizes |
| Total installed capital cost for year of construction |
| Annual costs for initial year of operation |
| Internal rate of return |
| Net present value at year of construction |
| Years to breakeven |
| Amount of methane collected and destroyed |
| Greenhouse gas value of amount of methane utilized by project |
| Amount of carbon dioxide from avoided energy generation |
| Optional Model Outputs (for standard reciprocating engine-generator, direct-use and RNG projects) |
|---|
| Jobs created within the state (construction phase and operating phase) |
| Earnings impact within the state ($000, construction phase and operating phase) |
| State-wide economic output ($000, construction phase and operating phase) |
The default inputs and costs that are estimated by LFGcost-Web are based on typical project designs and for typical landfill situations.
Download LFGcost-Web
Prior to opening the model, users should extract the .xlsm file from the .zip file to maintain the “read only” property of the model. Users should also retain the original .zip file. Individual economic analyses should be performed using the extracted .xlsm file, saving each analysis as a separate file. View the software requirements below for specific instructions on how to open the model in various versions of Microsoft® Excel.
Software Requirements
The LFGcost-Web model was created in Microsoft® Excel and must be operated in a Microsoft® Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016 or Office365 environment.
Microsoft® Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016 and Office365
- Set Macro Security Level to “Disable all macros with notification.”
- Menu select Developer » Macro Security
- Upon opening the model, select “Enable this content” from the Security Warning – Options… box that appears beneath the menu.
Further Assistance
If you would like assistance using LFGcost-Web, please contact LMOP.