Landfill gas power plants

Landfill gas is formed when organic wastes decompose anaerobically in a landfill. Composed of almost equal parts of methane and carbon dioxide, the gas is combustible and therefore potentially dangerous. Danger can be averted, however, and large benefits realized, by capturing the gas to generate electricity. New regulations influence the way landfill owners control gas migration at their site. Although characteristics of landfill gas require shorter maintenance intervals to prevent reduced engine life, environmentally responsible facilities of this type represent a viable way to handle gas production at a landfill.