Opportunities and Barriers to Opportunities and Barriers to Landfill Gas Energy in the U.S.Landfill Gas Energy in the U.S.

Rachel GoldsteinRachel GoldsteinU.S. Environmental Protection Agency U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Landfill Methane Outreach Program (LMOP)Landfill Methane Outreach Program (LMOP)

Air Innovations ConferenceAir Innovations Conference

August 10, 2004August 10, 2004

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AgendaAgenda

LMOP and Landfill Gas 101Beneficial Uses of Landfill GasThe Big PictureOvercoming Barriers

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EPA’s Landfill Methane EPA’s Landfill Methane Outreach Program Outreach Program Established in 1994Voluntary 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.

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Why Does EPA Care Why Does EPA Care About LFG?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, create jobs, revenues, and cost savings.

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Landfill Gas 101Landfill Gas 101

Landfill gas (LFG) is a by-product of the decomposition of municipal solid waste (MSW).

LFG: ~ 50% methane (CH4). ~ 50% carbon dioxide (CO2). <1% non-methane organic compounds (NMOCs).

For every 1 million tons of MSW: ~ 1.0 MW of electricity ~ 550,000 cubic feet per day of landfill gas.

If uncontrolled, LFG contributes to smog and global warming, and may cause health and safety concerns.

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The Big PictureThe Big Picture

Projects do more than generate NOx and CO

Methane reductions NMOC reductions Avoided emissions LFGE projects can be cleaner than traditional

fossil fuel projects The result = an “environmentally beneficial”

project

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LFGE Projects Provide Dual LFGE Projects Provide Dual Environmental BenefitsEnvironmental Benefits

Destroys methane and other organic compounds in LFG Each 1 MW of generation = planting ~12,000 acres of trees

per year, removing the emissions of ~8,800 cars per year, or preventing the use of ~93,000 barrels of oil per year

Offsets use of nonrenewable resources (coal, oil, gas) reducing emissions of: SO2, NOx, PM, and CO2

LFGE is a recognized renewable energy resource (Green-e, EPA Green Power Partnership).

LFG is generated 24/7 and available over 90% of the time.

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LFG Energy Emission LFG Energy Emission Reduction Benefits Reduction Benefits (lbs/MWh)(lbs/MWh)

Emission Type(LFG from AP-42; others from eGRID)

NOx SO2 Mercury

Weighted Average for all LFG Electricity GeneratingTechnologies

2.05 0.17 3.4 x 10-6

National Grid Average – Emitting Sources Only4.09 8.48 37.0 x 10-6

National Grid Average – All Sources 2.96 6.04 27.2 x 10-6

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Barriers to LFGE ProjectsBarriers to LFGE Projects

CostCostPermittingPermitting Lack of collection system Financing Contract disputes Gas rights

Time delaysTime delays

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Overcoming BarriersOvercoming Barriers

Remember the big picture and consider….

Consider setting aside offsets for LFGE projects because they are “essential public services”

Take the decline of LFG generation into account when determining the number of offsets needed

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Overcoming BarriersOvercoming Barriers

Explore inter-pollutant trading where permitting authority has not taken the VOC reductions into account

Allowing the LFGE project to claim reductions from the displaced utility emissions

Inclusion in SIP plans as per new SIP renewable guidance released this week

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LMOP Partner Tools and LMOP Partner Tools and ServicesServices

Partnerships and networking (over 365)Newsletter and listservDirect Project Assistance

Feasibility studies, end user searches

Technical Assistance ResourceLFG AdvocatePR/Ribbon Cuttings

GM and Toro Energy Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

May 2002

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LMOP Partner Recruitment LMOP Partner Recruitment Tools and ServicesTools and Services

Project and Candidate DatabaseGreen Pricing Accreditation InvolvementState Workshops/Conferences

working with state partners and SWANAPeer MatchingWeb Site (e.g., publications, database)Annual LMOP Conference, Project Expo, Annual LMOP Conference, Project Expo,

and Partner Awards - and Partner Awards - Washington, DC

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For More InformationFor More Informationwww.epa.gov/lmop - LMOP Hotline: 888-782-7937 Brian Guzzone, guzzone.brian@epa.gov, 202-343-9248 Rachel Goldstein, goldstein.rachel@epa.gov, 202-343-9391 Chris Voell, voell.christopher@epa.gov, 202-343-9406

Chris Voell

Brian Guzzone

Rachel Goldstein