Building Efficiency > Capabilities > Renewable Energy Solutions > Landfill Gas

Landfill Gas to Energy

Hundreds of municipalities across the country have landfills which often produce methane in commercial quantities. By capturing the methane and using it to power electrical generation, or cleaning it and sending it to a pipeline, energy is saved and waste reduced.

Direct use

This solution is most effective if a thermal load, such as a boiler or incinerator, is close-by. The process involves collection and some level of clean up of the landfill gas. The gas is then piped to the thermal load for use as boiler or burner fuel.

Electric Generation

This is the most common Landfill Gas to Energy (LFGE) project. It is easily connected to the local electric grid and benefits the electric utility as a source of Renewable Energy Credits needed to meet State Renewable Portfolio Standards. Electric generation is a proven concept with many facilities that have been in operation for over 20 years.

Is this the right technology for my situation?

For landfill gas to be a viable option, a municipality can use a recently closed or still functioning landfill with over 2M tons of waste. The landfill must be of adequate size and age to generate significant quantities of methane for re-use. Ideal situation would have a collection system.

Landfill Gas Facts:

Each million tons of Municipal Solid Waste is equivalent to:

• Approximately 432,000 cubic feet per day of landfill gas
• Approximately 800 kilowatts of electricity
• Is composed of about 55% Methane
• Is composed of about 45% Carbon Dioxide