Webinar: Landfill Gas Electricity Power Purchase Agreement Ending Soon? Learn What You Can Do
On June 13, 2023, LMOP hosted a webinar presenting options for landfill gas (LFG) electricity project owners who are facing an expiring power purchase agreement (PPA). LMOP’s LFG energy project database shows there are more than 280 currently operating electricity projects that are at least 10 years in age, a typical PPA length. LMOP is committed to helping project owners in this situation find solutions to continue reducing landfill methane emissions.
The presentations were followed by a question-and-answer session. The presentation slides are provided below in a PDF file as well as a recording of the webinar.
LMOP presented an overview of the Toolkit for Expiring LFG Electricity PPAs, a new web resource presenting electricity project owners with a variety of options and including criteria, pros and cons, and economic considerations. For example, an owner may decide to renegotiate a PPA, pursue a new project type, or if necessary, shut down an electricity project but continue mitigating LFG emissions.
Two additional speakers shared their experiences in (1) supplementing a microgrid with LFG electricity and (2) using biofilters to mitigate methane emissions. While not in response to an ending PPA, these two projects provide LFG electricity project owners applicable examples of potential paths forward.
The Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar’s microgrid is partially powered by 3.2 megawatts of LFG electricity via a 6.5-mile power line from the West Miramar Landfill in San Diego, California. Mick Wasco of MCAS Miramar spoke on the operations and benefits of a microgrid that incorporates renewable energy.
Peter Bannister of Aspect Consulting presented on the installation and performance of biofilters used to treat LFG. For example, 14 wood mulch biofilters were installed at wellheads on the Jefferson County Landfill in Washington State after the LFG flow rate declined to the point that flaring was no longer feasible. Peter shared post-installation monitoring data that show biofilters oxidize methane and biodegrade hydrogen sulfide as LFG passes through and thus offer a simple solution for greenhouse gas emission reductions.
Speakers:
Mick Wasco | Utilities & Energy Management Director | MCAS Miramar – Mick is responsible for MCAS Miramar’s energy and water efficiency, renewable, behavior and resilience programs. The installation’s microgrid system has proven capable of islanding the base as well as supporting the local community during rolling blackouts. Mick has a Bachelor’s in Structural Engineering from the University of California, San Diego. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in California for Civil and a Certified Energy Manager by the Association of Energy Engineers.
Peter Bannister | Senior Associate Engineer | Aspect Consulting – Peter has been solving landfill engineering issues for more than 20 years. He has worked on older, unlined landfills to develop cost-effective solutions for aging remediation infrastructure and demonstrate functional stability. Peter holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from Washington State University and a Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering from Duke University.
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