In 1993, Metro Waste Authority (MWA), Waste Management, Inc., and MidAmerican Energy partnered to provide a smart solution to an environmental problem. Together, they're turning methane gas into electricity to meet the energy needs of area businesses and residents.
Methane, or landfill gas, is formed as refuse slowly decomposes. Landfill gas is comprised of approximately 55% methane and 45% carbon dioxide. Methane is the primary component of the natural gas commonly used of cooking and heating in homes.
In the past, the gas was flared off into the atmosphere, wasting a valuable resource and potentially causing an environmental hazard. Now, the gas is collected and converted into electricity. The electricity is delivered directly to MidAmerican Energy's power grid, where it is distributed to area homes and businesses.
Methane Recovery Statistics
- Methane gas is collected through a system of 127 wells drilled into the landfill.
- The wells are connected to a 10-mile-long underground piping system that routes the gas to a power plant.
- A total of 8 engines at the power plant use the gas as fuel and turn power generators that produce more than 6.4 megawatts of electricity an hour, enough to serve the average needs of approximately 8,000 to 10,000 homes.
- More than 3 million standard cubic feet of landfill gas is burned each day.
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Project Benefits
- The negative effects of landfill gases escaping into the atmosphere are brought under control.
- The electricity produced at the plant represents a reliable and consistent alternative source of energy for MidAmerican Energy customers.
- The project supports the economy in this area through the use of local contractors and equipment purchased from local businesses.
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