Generating energy from landfill gas avoids the methane gas escaping into the atmosphere and adding to global warming. Methane is 28 times more powerful a greenhouse gas than CO2 over 100 years – and 80 times as powerful over 20 years. Waste management companies have environmental compliance obligations to prevent landfill gas escaping, but the industry has gone far beyond the regulatory minimums with the incentive provided to generate renewable electricity from it (primarily the Renewables Obligation).

The methane in landfill gas is not fossil fuel methane (like natural gas or North Sea gas) – it is a form of biogas. It is produced from the biomass in waste. It can be used to produce electricity, heat, or even transport fuel whilst leaving fossil fuels in the ground.

The total amount of electricity generation from landfill is declining as less biodegradable material is put into landfill, but the amount of generation is still significant – annual generation is around 3TWh.

Where are landfill gas projects located?

The map below shows landfill sites which are generating renewable electricity. There are 414 sites on this map. The data is from Ofgem’s list of accredited generating stations operating under the Renewables Obligation.

For more detailed information please see the REA’s Landfill Gas Forum.