Landfill Gas as Fuel for Combined Heat and Power
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.13052/dgaej2156-3306.2243Abstract
When landfill gas (LFG) is used in combined heat and power
(CHP) systems, the bene fits multiply. A CHP project powered by LFG
not only provides significantly better energy efficiency and cost savings,
but it also achieves signi ficant environmental bene fits from using a lo-
cally produced, biomass fuel.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Land fill Meth-
ane Outreach Program (LMOP) has supported the development of LFG
energy (LFGE) projects for more than a decade. The LMOP encourages
the development of LFGE projects in several ways. To achieve more
LFG use, the program maintains voluntary partnerships with businesses,
communities, and states. The LMOP provides information about LFGE
opportunities in the United States and prepares preliminary feasibil-
ity studies for land fills and potential LFG users. The LMOP and the
LFGE industry have achieved signi ficant reductions in emissions of
greenhouse gases, because LFG is approximately 50% methane and
methane traps more heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide, the
most prevalent greenhouse gas. The collection and use of each ton of
LFG methane is equivalent to the reduction of over 20 tons of carbon
dioxide emissions.
The LMOP maintains a land fill and LFGE project database (LMOP
database), which classifies 16 LFGE projects as CHP. These projects range
from a 120 kilowatt (kW) microturbine installation to a 12 megawatt
(MW) cogeneration plant
CHP LFGE projects can create additional environmental bene fits
by offsetting fossil-fuel-based electricity and steam or heating demands with a renewable fuel. In 2007, the existing CHP projects fueled by LFG
will result in greenhouse gas reductions equivalent to preventing the use
of approximately 1.3 million barrels of oil.
In addition, using the waste heat from LFG- fired generators in a
CHP configuration can improve project financial results by as much as
100%, increasing the feasibility of developing LFGE projects. LMOP of-
fers real-world project experience and tools to overcome the barriers in
CHP LFGE project development.
Downloads
References
U.S. EPA. Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2004.
April 2006. U.S.EPA #430-R-06-002.
Algonquin Power. Cogeneration Facilities. Accessed online at: http://www.
algonquinpower.com/business/cogeneration.asp
U.S. EPA/CHPP. About the CHP Partnership. Accessed online at: http://www.
epa.gov/chp/about_the_partnership.htm
U.S. EPA/LMOP. Rachel Goldstein. An Overview of Land fill Gas Energy in the U.S. Presentation to Northern Northeast SWANA. June 22, 2005.
US. EPA/LMOP. Landfill and Land fill Gas Energy Project Database (as of Feb-
ruary 16, 2007).
U.S. EPA/LMOP LFG Energy Project Profiles (as of January 3, 2007). Accessed
online at: http://www.epa.gov/lmop/proj/prof/index.htm
Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority. James Warner. Selling
Landfill Gas Emission Offsets on the Chicago Climate Exchange. Presentation
to the 10th Annual LMOP Conference. January 23, 2007. Accessed online at:
http://www.epa.gov/lmop/conf/10th/Warner.pdf
U.S. EPA/CHPP. Technology Characterization: Reciprocating Engines. February
Accessed online at: http://www.epa.gov/chp/pdf/internal_combustion.
U.S. EPA/CHPP. Funding Opportunities Guide. Accessed online at: http://
www.epa.gov/chp/funding_opps-bio.htm
Massachusetts Technology Collaborative Energy Information on Renewable
Portfolio Standard. February 21, 2007. Accessed online at: http://www.mtpc.
org/cleanenergy/policy/rps.htm
New Jersey Clean Energy Program. Renewable Portfolio Standard. Accessed
online at: http://www.njcep.com/html/faqs/general.html
New Jersey Clean Energy Program. Combined Heat and Power. Accessed online
at: http://www.njcleanenergy.com/html/Combined/combined.html
Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX). Rob McAndrew. Presentation to LMOP
Annual Conference. January 23, 2007. Accessed online at: http://www.epa.
gov/lmop/conf/10th/mcandrew.pdf
