Landfill gas-to-energy facility provides green energy to local utility
At a glance
Landfilling is the main method for disposal of municipal and household solid wastes in Canada and the United States. Usually maintained in an oxygen-free environment, landfill waste produces significant amounts of landfill gas (mostly methane). These energy rich by-products produced at landfills require proper management to avoid odor and air emission issues.
The challenges
For years, the Cache Creek Landfill collected and flared landfill gas, emitting greenhouse gases (CO2) into the atmosphere without deriving any benefit from the energy rich fuel. The organization managing the landfill recognized an opportunity to create a green energy facility and worked with British Columbia’s government program for the installation of a 4.8-megawatt landfill gas-to-energy facility.
Our response
GHD’s energy and design team completed the detailed civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical design associated with the landfill gas-to-energy facility at the Cache Creek Landfill site. GHD also managed the construction of the mechanical and electrical installations, including commissioning.
The system consists of three Caterpillar 3520C reciprocating gas engines operating on landfill gas capable of generating 4.8-megawatts of electrical power. The electrical power injects into the local electrical utility at 27.6-kilovolts. The controls for the plant are within the electrical room and the operator office. Plant operators are also capable of remotely monitoring the facility.
Outcomes
- Re-use of landfill gas to produce electricity in lieu of flaring
- Designed to improve the performance of the engine output while reducing long-term maintenance costs on the engine
- Successful delivery of project on time and on budget