1 The Global Methane Initiative Landfill Sector Chris Godlove

2 Landfill Sector  28 countries are on the Subcommittee, led by chairs from Argentina, Colombia, and United States.  9 countries have developed country specific action plans, and more are being developed.  More than 650 landfills are now listed in the International Landfill Database.

3 Global Methane (CH4) Emissions (MMTCO2e) in 2000 Global Landfill Methane Emissions  Methane is produced and emitted during the anaerobic decomposition of organic material in landfills  Globally, landfills are the 3 rd largest anthropogenic source, accounting for 13 percent of emissions Global Anthropogenic Emissions of Non-CO2 Greenhouse Gases , U.S. EPA, June 2006

4 Global Landfill Methane Emissions Trends  Industrialized Nations Declining –Increased LFG regulation –Increased recycling of organics/paper –Increased LFG utilization (>1100 worldwide)  Developing Nations Sharply Increasing –Shift from open dumps to sanitary/engineered landfills –Increased MSW generation and disposal –Lack of LFG regulation and recycling

5 Biogas (LFG): Advantages  Local, available fuel source  Easy to capture and use  Source of renewable energy  Constant supply - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week  Reliable technologies exist for using landfill gas  Uses a source of energy that otherwise would have been wasted  Helps the environment by reducing uncontrolled emissions of landfill gas

6 Modern Landfill Monitoring wells LFG extraction wells Liner System Cells Intermediate/ Final Cover Header LFG Piping Flare/ LFG plant Leachate Plant

7 LFGE Project Benefits  Destroys methane and other organic compounds in LFG  Offsets use of nonrenewable resources  Potential benefits for the landfill; –Another source of income –Local  Potential benefits for the End User –Reduces fuel costs –Win through the use of renewable sources –Supports the strategy of being a “green” and/or sustainable company

8 LFGE Project Benefits  Each 1 MW of generation capacity or direct use of 615 m 3 /h is equivalent to: –Annual environmental equivalent to planting 4,900 hectare of trees or removing the CO2 emissions of 9,000 cars –Annual energy equivalent to preventing the use of 99,000 barrels of oil, offsetting the use of 200 railcars of coal, or powering more than 650 homes

9 Landfill Gas Utilization Options  Direct Use –Boilers –Thermal –Leachate evaporation/sludge drying  Electricity –IC engine –Gas turbine –Micro turbine  High BTU –Pipeline injection –Alternative vehicle fuel

10 GMI Main Activities in Latin America  Identify and assess project opportunities  Stakeholder outreach  Support technology transfer, training, and capacity building  Technology demonstration and deployment  Tools development

11 GMI Work in Brazil  11 Assessment Reports of Landfill in Brazil  Training Seminar with CETESB (Local Partner)  Partnership with FEAM-MG for training and workshops. – LGTE International Course given to public officials of the State Minas Gerais. - April 2010 – Planned workshop  Landfill Operation Workshop in Fortaleza – October 2009  Collaboration in ABRELPE’s Landfill Basics Course in Rio de Janeiro – March 2010  Guide and offer technical assistance during the visits to landfills for the development of landfill gas utilization projects.  Grants: – ICLEI – Fundação PROMAR – Appalachian State University – NARUC/ABAR  Planned partnership with SEA-RJ

12 For More Information Chris Godlove U.S. EPA Landfill Methane Outreach Program Tel: