HOW GAS IS USED

Landfill Gas (LFG) may be used as a renewable energy resource in several different

ways. The primary LFG uses are categorized in three types: (1) electric generation,

(2) medium Btu, and (3) high Btu. Additional technologies, such as compressed

biogas, fuel cells, and others, are still in the developmental stages.

Electric generation projects use the LFG as a fuel in either a reciprocating or

turbine driven generator to produce electricity. This electricity can be moved onto

the grid for sales to a customer. Medium Btu projects use LFG as an alternate fuel

in large industrial or commercial applications, such as a kiln, a furnace, or a boiler.

The heating value of LFG is 400-550 Btu per cubic foot or about one-half of natural

gas, thereby getting the name "medium Btu." High Btu projects process the LFG and

remove the carbon dioxide and other impurities until the remaining gas meets natural

gas pipeline specifications. The current distribution of energy projects by LFG type is

approximately 65-75% electric generation, 20-30% medium Btu, and less than 5%

high Btu.