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 The
most attractive emissions reduction projects are
those where the energy in the recovered gas can
be used or sold. The value of the energy derived
from the gas can more than offset the cost of collecting
and processing the gas.
There are three primary approaches to using the
gas recovered: (1) direct use of the gas locally
(either on-site or nearby); (2) generation of electricity
and distribution through the power grid; and (3)
injection into a gas distribution grid. Direct use
of the gas locally is often the simplest and most
cost-effective approach. The medium quality gas
can be used in a wide variety of ways, including:
residential use (cooking, hot water heating, space
heating); boiler fuel for district heating; and
various industrial uses requiring process heat or
steam (such as in cement manufacture, glass manufacture,
and stone drying).
If a direct use is not practical, the gas can be
used to generate electricity by using it to fuel
a reciprocating engine or turbine. If the electricity
is not required on site, it can be distributed through
the local power grid. This approach requires close
coordination with the electric power authority.
Other energy utilization options may present themselves
on a case-by-case basis. For example, compressed
gas can be used to power refuse collection trucks
that bring refuse to the landfill or open dump.
Alternatively, there may be a specialized need for
gas nearby, such as may be needed by a heated greenhouse.
However, these are niche applications which have
not been proven cost effective in developing countries.
Source: A Guide for Methane Mitigation Projects - USEPA - November 1996. |
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