Company’s Alabama landfill gas-to-energy project named Electricity Project of the Year by the EPA.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has named Phoenix-based Republic Services’ Sand Valley Landfill Gas-to-Energy (LFGTE) project in Collinsville, Alabama, its Electricity Project of the Year. The facility was recognized by the EPA’s Landfill Methane Outreach Program during the Solid Waste Association of North America’s (SWANA) 38th Annual Landfill Gas & Biogas Symposium, recently held in New Orleans.
“Society requires the modern landfill to be more sophisticated than ever before, leveraging science to protect the air, land and water upon which we depend,” says Gregg Brummer, Republic Services’ East Region vice president. “We believe the modern landfill can do more than protect the local environment. In many cases, landfills enable scientists and engineers to harness energy from waste decomposition and convert it into a renewable power source. Our employees are humbled by the EPA's recognition, and they are proud to be part of a project that will provide economic and environmental benefits to their community for years to come.”
Republic Services' GEK Inc. subsidiary partnered with Energy Developments Inc.'s (EDI) subsidiary Bio Energy (Alabama) LLC to develop the Sand Valley LFGTE project. The project also involves the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and Sand Mountain Electric Cooperative.
“EDI is proud to partner with Republic Services, Tennessee Valley Authority and Sand Mountain Electric Co-op on this award-winning project,” says Steve Cowman, EDI’s president and CEO. “Energy Developments operates 84 projects generating over 900 megawatts across three continents and is a leader in remote and clean energy. We are honored that the EPA has selected this facility for their project of the year.”
The Sand Valley LFGTE project has a generating capacity of 4.8 megawatts and supplies power to about 4,000 homes in the area. Renewable power generated at the site is sold to the TVA and exported through an interconnection with Sand Mountain Electric Cooperative.
The project, announced in April 2014, is believed to be the largest LFGTE project in Alabama.
LFGTE projects typically involve capturing methane from biogas, which is generated when materials such as paper, food and yard waste decompose within a landfill. The methane can be harnessed and converted into renewable energy sources that supply the local power grid. This process can displace the use of fossil fuels for energy generation and use, which can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in a community.
Republic Services has implemented 72 landfill gas-to-energy projects nationwide. Republic Services' Sand Valley Landfill comprises 233 acres and accepts about 1,600 tons of waste per day.