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 Landfill
gas (LFG) is a byproduct of the anaerobic decomposition
of biodegradable solid waste residues and is typically
50% methane with a high energy content. Methane
is a potent greenhouse gas (GHG), with 21 times
the global warming potential of carbon dioxide.
Estimates indicate that about 10% of methane emissions
released to the atmosphere are from landfills. To
reduce its effect, LFG can be captured and used
for energy production, thus reducing GHG emissions
and providing a non-conventional source of energy
that displaces fossil fuel use.
LFG is generated when organic materials in MSW landfills
are naturally decomposed by bacteria. The gas is
approximately 50% methane, the primary component
of natural gas. The other 50% of the gas is predominantly
carbon dioxide, with small amounts of nitrogen and
oxygen, and trace levels of non-methane organic
compounds. All MSW landfills emit this gas in amounts
that depend on a variety of factors, such as waste
composition and the landfill size. LFG generation
typically begins after waste disposal and can continue
for 20 or 30 years after the landfill is closed.
The gas can be used as fuel for an engine, turbine,
or other device to produce energy. |
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| For detailed information please refer to the following links
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Introduction (98 KB)
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Landfill Gas – Understanding the Resource (167 KB)
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Landfill Gas Utilization Technologies (149 KB)
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Energy Policies, Legislation, Regulation, and Markets (139 KB)
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Environmental Policies, Legislation, and Regulation (119 KB)
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International Carbon Finance (161 KB)
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Risk Factors Related to Environmental, Financial, and Resource Management Aspects of LFG to Energy Projects. a specific project (261 KB)
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Pre-Investment Studies (885 KB)
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Project Development(266 KB)
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