Renewable Natural Gas
Landfills
Capture Landfill Biogas for High-Efficiency, Ultra-Low-Emission Power
Solid waste landfills are one of the largest sources of human-related methane emissions in the U.S.*
What Is Landfill Biogas?
Landfill biogas, also called landfill gas and LFG, is a renewable energy source captured from organic waste. Microorganisms naturally decompose waste, such as food, paper, and yard trimmings, in landfills without oxygen. This anaerobic digestion produces a mixture largely comprising methane and carbon dioxide. Capturing this gas enables its use for generating electricity, producing heat, or processing into renewable natural gas (RNG) for vehicles or pipelines. Collecting and utilizing landfill gas turns a potent greenhouse gas into a valuable energy resource.
Landfill Biogas to Power: A Scalable Energy Solution
By turning naturally produced methane into pipeline-quality RNG, SJI REV develops projects that provide lower-intensity fuel for transportation and manufacturing. This process can turn landfills from contributors to pollution into more profitable businesses that also promote air pollution reduction, which is especially important to local communities.
Why Fuel Cell Technology Is Ideal for Landfill Gas
Fuel cell technology is perfect for LFG because it efficiently converts methane into electricity without combustion. This can reduce air pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, and particulate matter, while also capturing carbon dioxide for sequestration or sale. This process provides continuous, cleaner base-load power, offering dependable energy that’s more environmentally responsible than traditional combustion methods such as flares or engines.
SJI REV’s Landfill Biogas Solution
Here’s what SJI REV delivers with our landfill biogas solution:
- Turning waste methane into on-site, distributable power.
- Ultra-low emissions and regulatory compliance advantages.
- High-efficiency power generation without combustion.
- Carbon reduction, credits, and sustainability ROI.
FAQs About Landfill Biogas
Here are some frequently asked questions about landfill gas:
Do Landfills Produce Biogas?
Yes. Landfill biogas is a natural byproduct of the decomposition of organic waste in a landfill. When municipal solid waste is deposited, it’s eventually covered and deprived of oxygen, creating an environment where anaerobic digestion occurs. During this process, bacteria break down organic material, releasing a mix of methane gas and carbon dioxide. Capturing landfill biogas aids environmental protection and serves as a primary source for creating renewable energy.
What Is the Difference Between Biogas and Landfill Gas?
While the terms are often used interchangeably, landfill gas (LFG) is a specific type of biogas. In a broad sense, biogas refers to any gas produced by the biological breakdown of organic matter in the absence of oxygen. This can occur in a wastewater treatment plant, on a farm, or within a dedicated anaerobic digester. Landfill gas specifically refers to the biogas production that occurs within the complex ecosystem of a solid waste landfill.
How Does a Fuel Cell Convert Landfill Gas Into Distributable Power?
A fuel cell utilizes an electrochemical process to convert the chemical energy of methane into renewable electricity without combustion. First, the raw landfill gas is pre-treated to remove contaminants. Then, the methane gas is processed to extract hydrogen, which reacts within the fuel cell to produce a steady stream of energy. Unlike a traditional gas engine, which burns fuel to create mechanical energy, a fuel cell is significantly quieter and more efficient.* This technology allows LFG energy projects to generate high-quality electricity that can be sent directly to the grid or used on site.
What Are the Emissions Advantages and Compliance Benefits of Landfill Gas?
Capturing landfill gas emissions provides two major environmental benefits. First, it prevents methane emissions — which have a much higher global warming potential than carbon dioxide — from escaping into the atmosphere. When burned, RNG does not release significant amounts of methane, as combustion converts methane into carbon dioxide and water.* While still a greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide is much less potent than methane.
Second, displacing fossil fuel use with a renewable fuel helps organizations meet standards set by the EPA. Sourcing methane from landfills also doesn’t cause some of the localized environmental issues associated with fracking. Lastly, using LFG can help producers qualify for credits under the Renewable Fuel Standard.
How Does SJI REV’s Solution Maximize Energy Efficiency and Reduce Operating Costs?
SJI REV specializes in optimizing biogas systems to help landfills achieve a positive return on investment. Our solutions boost energy efficiency by using advanced monitoring to maintain optimal biogas production levels. By converting raw gas into renewable electricity, we help partners offset their reliance on conventional natural gas. This transition reduces long-term operating costs and protects against the price volatility of traditional fossil fuels while generating a reliable source of renewable energy.
How Can SJI REV Support Long-Term Energy Strategy and Sustainability Goals?
SJI REV helps organizations across the United States transition from traditional waste management to circular energy systems. By integrating landfill gas into your long-term energy strategy, you contribute to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas output and support national sustainability goals.
SJI Renewable Energy Ventures Turns Today’s Organic Waste Into Tomorrow’s Pipeline Quality Gas
Find out how we can help your business move to a more sustainable future.