Landfill Gas Operations Continued ...
Landfill gas is collected from a system of wells sunk into the landfill body and is led to gas-fueled engines on-site. These engines drive generators and the resulting electricity is transferred via step-up transformers and switchgear to the local grid. Excess gas is discharged to a flare stack where it is incinerated.
Electricity generation by this method is not yet considered to be a financially viable alternative to more conventional generation methods utilising fossil fuels. However, when the financial benefits accrued through carbon credit trading are factored into the equation, these Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects are marginally profitable and will become more so with ongoing research, development and wider acceptance and public support. It is estimated that up to 6% of South Africas' renewable energy target could be met using these technologies in the future.
The company is confident that its' involvement in sustainable development projects such as these will prove to make sound business sense as well as being in line with its socially responsible philosophy of waste reutilisation.
