Analysis of the potential of landfill gas as an alternative for electrical energy source

Abstract

Municipal solid waste (MSW) is generated from human activities, where most of them end up at the landfill. The landfill gas produced from the degradation of organic matter in the MSW landfill contains methane can be used as the energy source. Therefore, the objective of this research is to analyze the potential of landfill gas as an alternative for energy source. Two Landfill Simulator Reactor (LSRs) made of high density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe has 50 cm outside diameter and 150 cm of height were operated under natural condition. The first LSR was operated without leachate recirculation (A), while the other one was operated with leachate recirculation (B). Results of this research found the highest methane concentration from LSR A was about 53% and 41.8% from LSR B. This finding was applied to estimate the landfill gas production for electricity generation in Cot Padang Nila landfill. The potential electrical energy that could be produced from Cot Padang Nila landfill is 203 MWh/year if it is operated using LSR A mode, and 161 MWh/year when operated in accordance to LSR B mode. This amounts of energy is suitable to provide electricity for 53-67 households in the vicinity of the landfill.