An Overview of Landfill Gas Energy in the U.S. U.S. EPA Landfill Methane Outreach Program (LMOP) Presented by John Carter (ERG) U.S. Conference of Mayors Municipal Waste Management Association 2005 Fall Summit

22 EPA’s Landfill Methane Outreach Program (LMOP) Established in 1994 Voluntary program that creates alliances among states, energy users/providers, the landfill gas industry, and communities Mission: To reduce methane emissions by lowering barriers and promoting the development of cost-effective and environmentally beneficial landfill gas energy (LFGE) projects.

33 Topics of Discussion What is landfill gas? What can you do with landfill gas? What are the benefits of using landfill gas? How can LMOP assist you in developing a landfill gas to energy project?

44 What is Landfill Gas? Landfill gas (LFG) is a by-product of the decomposition of municipal solid waste (MSW). LFG: ~ 50% methane (CH 4 ). ~ 50% carbon dioxide (CO 2 ). <1% non-methane organic compounds (NMOCs). For every 1 million tons of MSW: ~ 0.8 MW of electricity ~ 432,000 cubic feet per day of landfill gas. If uncontrolled, LFG contributes to smog and global warming, and may cause health and safety concerns.

55 Modern Municipal Solid Waste Landfill

66 Why Does EPA Care About LFG? Methane is a potent heat-trapping gas. Landfills are the largest human-made source of methane in the US. There are many cost effective options for reducing methane emissions while generating energy. Projects reduce local air pollution. Projects create jobs, revenues, and cost savings.

77 LFG Projects Provide Dual Benefits Destroys methane and other organic compounds in LFG Each 1 MW of generation = planting ~11,300 acres of trees per year, removing the emissions of ~7,300 cars per year, or preventing the use of ~89,000 barrels of oil per year Offsets use of nonrenewable resources (coal, oil, gas) reducing emissions of: SO 2 - contributes to acid rain NO x - contributes to ozone formation and smog PM - respiratory health concern CO 2 - global warming gas

88 Diversity of Project Types Electricity Generation Emerging Technologies Microturbine Stirling “External Combustion” Engine Organic Rankine Cycle Engine Internal Combustion Engine Gas Turbine

99 Landfill Gas and Green Power A Winning Combination LFG is a recognized renewable energy resource (Green-e, EPA Green Power Partnership). LFG is generated 24/7 and available over 90% of the time. Serves as the “baseload renewable” for many green power programs. Levelized cost of 4–6 cents per kWh for new electricity projects LFG can act as a long-term price and volatility hedge against fossil fuels. Utilities are already using LFGE.

10 3 MW Electric Project Impacts:

11 Diversity of Project Types Direct Use of LFG Greenhouse Burlington, NJ LFG-fired Boiler Ft. Wayne, IN Pottery Studio Sugar Grove, NC Direct-use projects are growing! Boiler applications - replace natural gas, coal, fuel oil Combined heat & power (CHP) Direct thermal (dryers, kilns) Natural gas pipeline injection  Medium and high-Btu Greenhouse Leachate evaporation Vehicle fuel (LNG) Artist studios Hydroponics Aquaculture (fish farming)

12 5 Mile Direct Use Project Impacts:

13 State of the National LFGE Project Industry (as of June 2005)  More than 380 operational projects in 38 states supplying:  9 billion kilowatt hours of electricity and 74 billion cubic feet of landfill gas to direct use applications in 2004  At least 25 projects under construction with many more in the advanced planning stages  Currently over 600 candidate landfills with a total MW potential of over 1,500 MW

14 Look Who’s Using Landfill Gas

15 Status of LFGE Project Development and Candidate Landfills by State

16 Environmental Benefits from Current LFGE Projects Nationwide (as of June 2005) Estimated Annual Benefits: Planting over 19,000,000 acres of forest, Preventing the use of over 150,000,000 barrels of oil, Removing emissions equivalent to over 14,000,000 cars, or Offsetting the use of 325,000 railcars of coal.

17 LFGE Project Incentives Green pricing opportunities Tax credits Energy Policy Act of 2005 Section 45 Tax Credit State-level renewable resources matching funds Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) 20 States require utilities to supply a percentage of power from renewable sources (LFG is included) Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) Companies looking to reduce environmental footprint purchase RECs from utilities using LFG

18 Looking to the Future EIA predicts U.S. energy demand to increase by 32% by 2020 Increasing wholesale price of natural gas 2003 the first year that natural gas demand outstripped supply Increased demand for LFG means increased revenue potential for landfills

19 Natural Gas Prices Continue to Rise and Remain Volatile

20 How can LMOP assist you? Analyze landfill resource Identify potential matches Assess landfill and end user facilities Look at project possibilities Initial feasibility analyses Facilitate networking Positive public relations

21 Analyze Landfill Resources

22 Identify Potential Matches

23 Additional LMOP Tools and Services Project and Candidate Database Peer Matching and Partner Networking Direct Project Assistance State Workshops/Conferences PR/Ribbon Cuttings Web Site (e.g., publications, database) Annual LMOP Conference, Project Expo, and Partner Awards - January in Baltimore! Annual LMOP Conference, Project Expo, and Partner Awards - January in Baltimore!

24 For More Information… John Carter Eastern Research Group (a contractor to EPA on LMOP)

25 For More Information Brian Guzzone (202) Rachel Goldstein (202) LMOP Hotline: Chris Voell (202) Victoria Ludwig (202) WA MT ID OR NV CA WY UT CO NM AZ ND TX OK KS NE SD MN IA MO IL WI MI IN OH KY TN AR LA MS AL GA SC NC WV PA NY ME FL VA VT MD DE NJ RI MA NH PR AK HI VI CT T3: Brian T2 South: Victoria T1: Rachel T2 North: Chris