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Landfill Gas (LFG) as an Energy Source Report
Energy Business Reports, July 2009, Pages: 216
With rising concern about energy sources, landfill gas (LFG) has emerged as an easily available, economically competitive, and proven energy resource. Approximately 254 million tons of solid waste was generated in the United States in 2007 with 54 percent deposited in municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills. As this landfilled waste decomposes, a process that may take 30 years or more, it produces landfill gas (LFG). LFG contains approximately 50% methane and 50% carbon dioxide with less than one percent nonmethane organic compounds and trace amounts of organic compounds. If left uncontrolled, LFG can lead to smog formation and air pollution and can pose an explosion hazard. Furthermore, since LFG contains methane - a greenhouse gas with more than 20 times the heat trapping potential of carbon dioxide - it can contribute to climate change. However, its high methane content also means that LFG can be utilized as a valuable source of energy.
LFG is a byproduct of the decay process of organic matter in municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills. The gas typically contains approximately 50% methane and 50% carbon dioxide, with some additional trace compounds. The heat value of LFG ranges from 400 to 600 British thermal units (Btu) per cubic foot and can burn in virtually any application with minor adjustments to air/fuel ratios. The use of LFG provides environmental and economic benefits, and users of LFG have achieved significant cost savings compared to traditional fuel usage due primarily to the fact that LFG costs are consistently lower than the cost of natural gas.
Additionally, because LFG is comprised of approximately 50% methane, a major greenhouse gas, reducing landfill methane emissions by utilizing it as a fuel helps businesses, energy providers, and communities protect the environment and build a more sustainable energy future.
This report on landfill gas treatment and utilization examines the LFG industry and contains basic information about LFG, its composition, production, conditions affecting its production, movement, and transport; and health hazards and safety issues related to LFG.
The report also contains an overview of LFG sampling, treatment procedures, control measures, regulatory requirements, and much more. This is a comprehensive information bank for decision makers in the energy industry and an information source for others interested in this rapidly-growing industry.
Also available
Landfill Gas (LFG) Business Package
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