Use of Landfill Gas for Electricity Generation

Abstract

The feasibility of using landfill gas (LFG) for electricity generation at four St. Louis, Mo., area landfills was explored using the U.S. EPA's E-PLUS (Energy Project Landfill Gas Utilization Software). The estimated break-even generation price of the electricity was about 4;ct/kW⋅h. This price is higher than the current avoided cost provided by utilities. These results are consistent with the current situation for the entire renewable energy industry. Renewable technologies, in general, are characterized by relatively high capital costs and low operation and maintenance costs, and with the development of electricity deregulation throughout the United States, renewable energy is facing more competitive challenges. With the loss of federal tax incentives and relatively low electricity prices, fewer LFG-to-electricity projects are being implemented. LFG-to-energy facilities may be able to take advantage of increasing demands for green energy and markets for greenhouse gas emission reductions, but to make LFG projects economically feasible, it appears that some type of subsidy will be necessary to take into account the pollution reduction benefits derived from utilizing LFG.