(573j) A Case Study of Valorizing Landfill Gas to Renewable Energy in an Industrial Zone

Landfills contribute to climate change primarily through the release of greenhouse gases, particularly CH₄. The U.S. EPA actively works to minimize landfills' carbon footprint and promote renewable energy projects utilizing landfill gas (LFG). This study investigates four LFG conversion strategies, flaring, electricity generation, renewable natural gas (RNG), and methanol production in Southeast Texas. The research assesses capital investments, operational costs, carbon footprint reduction, and potential profits for these strategies. The electricity generation strategy stands out, achieving profitability from the first year, projecting a peak profit after 10 years. In contrast, the RNG strategy, while eventually profitable, takes longer to break even due to a higher initial investment, becoming profitable in its tenth year without carbon credit trading or in its fifth year with trading ($40/ton). The RNG strategy leads to carbon footprint reduction, cutting 1,073,195 tons of CO₂ equivalent by 89% in the 10th year. Additionally, this study explores methanol production strategy and highlights the potential synergy between landfill facilities and the hydrocarbon industry.