Print this pageDeveloping LFG to Energy Projects
Jim Newton, P.E., DEE
Course Outline
This four hour course provides valuable information for those individuals who have an interest in the design of landfill gas collection systems. It will prove useful to those designing and operating and maintaining landfills where municipal wastes are disposed. The text for this course is the US Environmental Protection Agency’s publication: “LFG Energy Project Devleopment Handbook.”
A companion course covers the design of LFG collection and treatment systems.
This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end of each of the five lectures, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course material.
Learning Objective
At the conclusion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Understand the makeup of landfill gas;
- Understand basic LFG collection systems;
- Understand LFG treatment systems;
- Understand basic energy projects;
- Understand the economic benefits of LFG energy recovery;
- Understand the environmental benefits of LFG energy recovery;
- Understand the basic steps to LFG energy project development;
- Understand the basics of LandGEM;
- Understand how to estimate LFG recovery;
- Understand basic LFG model limitations;
- Understand the technologies available for LFG electricity projects;
- Understand the gas collections systems and flares;
- Understand LFG treatment systems;
- Understand the basics of electricity generation;
- Understand the direct use of medium BTU LFG;
- Understand how to convert LFG to high BTU gas;
- Understand how to select the appropriate technology;
- Understand how to quantify capital and O&M costs;
- Understand how to estimate energy sales revenue;
- Understand how to estimate other revenue streams and incentives;
- Understand how to assess economic feasibility;
- Understand how to compare all economically feasible options and select appropriate technology;
- Understand how to assess project financing options;
- Understand power sales agreements;
- Understand LFG purchase agreements;
- Understand environmental attribute agreements;
- Understand the federal regulations and permits that apply; and
- Understand whether to involve a project developer.
Intended Audience
The intended audience for this course is any professional who is involved in the design and operations and maintenance of any landfill facility.
Benefit to Attendees
Attendees of this course will understand how to develop and implement LFG to energy projects.
Course Introduction
Landfills are the primary destinations for much of the US’s solid wastes. Landfills treat the biodegradable solid waste in an anaerobic environment where the decomposition of some of the wastes generate a gas referred to as landfill gas (LFG). LFG may contain up to 60% methane which after treatment and separation from the other gas components may be used to power vehicles or generate electricity. The first step in recovering this valuable renewable resource is to collect it. Once collected, it is possible to draw energy from the gas to fuel vehicles or generate electricity.
Course Content
This course is based upon the following US EPA document:
US Environmental Protection Agency’s publication: “LFG Energy Project Devleopment Handbook.”
Please click on the above underlined hypertext to view, download or print the document for your study. Because of the large file size, we recommend that you first save the file to your computer by right clicking the mouse and choosing "Save Target As ...", and then open the file in Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Course Summary
This course discusses LFG energy basics, LFG modeling, LFG project technology options, LFG project economics and financing, LFG contracts and purchasing and evaluating and working with energy partners.
Related Links
For additional information related to this subject, please visit the following websites or web pages:
US Environmental Protection Agency
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
