ARC Southern is a project developer that is looking for economically viable options where we develop the land fill gas system and also find end consumer to consume the LF gas. The intent of this write up is to give an overview of what LFG direct use is all about. Arc Southen is constantly looking for projects, which provide LFG gas rights and finding ways to help local communities develop “green energy” projects, such that it generates revenue for the city, and improves the local economy.

What is Land fill gas?
Land fills which is currently the primary method of waste management generates a by-product with significant energy value - landfill gas (LFG). Collection and control of LFG results in significant reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. With the greater focus on climate change, carbon offsets market is emerging and landfills can bring these carbon offsets to market, resulting in additional incentives for collection and beneficial use.
Landfill gas is the natural by-product of the decomposition of organic waste in landfills and is comprised primarily of methane, the main component of natural gas, and carbon dioxide. Instead of allowing LFG to escape into the air, it can be captured, converted and used as an energy source. Using LFG has multiple benefits, such as reducing odors and other hazards associated with LFG emissions and preventing methane from migrating into the atmosphere where it contributes to local smog and global climate change. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, about 20 times more so than carbon dioxide.

How can land fill gas address the energy requirements?
Landfill gas is extracted from landfills using a series of wells and a blower/flare (or vacuum) system. This system directs the collected gas to a central point where it can be processed and treated depending upon ultimate use. From this point, the gas can be flared, or used to generate electricity, replace fossil fuels in industrial and manufacturing operations fuel greenhouse operations, or be upgraded to pipeline quality gas - very similar to characteristics of natural gas.

Direct use of LFG to offset another fossil fuel is occurring in about one-third of the current operational projects. This direct use of LFG can be in a boiler, dryer, kiln, greenhouse or other thermal applications.

What do you mean by direct use?
Direct use of LFG is often a cost-effective option when a facility that could use LFG as a fuel in its combustion or heating equipment is located within approximately 5 miles of a landfill; however distances of 10 miles or more can also be economically feasible in some situations. Some manufacturing plants have chosen to locate near a landfill for the express purpose of using LFG as a renewable fuel that is cost-effective when compared to natural gas.