Power Generation from Landfill Methane

Jefferson County Landfill

Economies of scale are important when one considers how to make a difference with renewable energy sources. This is why I have become less unfriendly toward clean coal talk.

The reason for my reluctance to endorse clean coal is that I see the strategy as a continuation of coal and nuclear policies that will have significant long-term disadvantages for the country and the globe. Nevertheless, if it can mean less pollution when coal-burning power generation plants convert to cleaner technologies, then I have to say that I favor such an approach.

Still it seems that power generation utilities could do more to shift toward geothermal, wind and solar. Whereas there is general agreement that investment in wind power is a smart strategy for power generation companies, biomass is much more controversial. Thus, one policy question is how much that should be subsidized in relation to renewable energy strategies that rank better in terms of life cycle energy use.

Santee Cooper, a state-owned electric and water utility with operations across South Carolina, announced that it will expand the mix of renewable energy sources used to supply its Green Power program over the next five years. The utility plans to add solar, wind and biomass projects to the 19.7 MW of landfill methane generation that will be on-line by the end of 2006.

Under the program, Santee Cooper customers can purchase 100-kWh blocks of renewable energy for $3.00 per month, or a 3 cents per kWh premium to the regular electricity rate. The utility invests fully 100% of the customer revenues collected into acquisition and development of new renewable energy sources. — Green Power Network News

Such reinvestment is commendable. Before giving too many kudos to those crackers (slang for White Southerners), please note that there are tax incentives for this renewable energy strategy and the re-investment is a requirement. Still Sanatee Power deserves credit for recycling waste to energy, diversifying its power generation portfolio, and committing to further renewable energy development.

Power generation from landfill methane is a good example of the promise of an energy policy that develops energy from biomass.

Continue reading here: Biodiesel Stabilizer

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