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Press Release
AS SUMMER TEMPERATURES PUSH DEMAND FOR ENERGY IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, LOCAL COMPANY RESPONDS WITH ENERGY FOR 2,500 HOMES
Landfill Gas-To-Energy Generators Transform Methane Gas Into Green Power
Inland Empire, June 24, 2006 – With summer temperatures soaring throughout California and leading to stress on the state’s power suppliers, one company is offering a better way to help keep local residents cool. Waste Management’s El Sobrante Landfill is currently generating enough clean energy to power 3,800 Southern California homes.
The approximately 3.8 megawatts, which are produced by capturing landfill methane gas, a natural by-product of decomposing garbage, are fed directly to the local power grid. Methane gas is captured in a series of wells throughout the landfill, which is then fed into an internal combustion engine where it is converted into electricity.
Since 2004, El Sobrante Landfill and Recycling Center has operated landfill gas-to-energy generators that transform methane gas into "green power.” Southern California Edison contracts with the landfill to buy the energy, reducing their reliance on fossil fuels.
As the volume of material at the landfill increases, the amount of available methane will also increase, augmenting the potential for more green power at the El Sobrante Landfill and Recycling Center. “Waste Management gas to energy facility currently captures natural gas to turn it into energy,” said Damon Defrates, El Sobrante Landfill District Manager. “This process helps us close the loop on the waste stream, taking what would otherwise be wasted and putting it to good use – it’s a complete circle and a great use of an abundantly available resource.”
Many landfills simply “flare” off excess methane gas generated by landfill decomposition. This process, however, only wastes the potential energy produced by landfills. “Waste Management has always sought ways to manage the waste stream more effectively and efficiently,” said Defrates. “Our landfill gas-to-energy program is a model for the country and demonstrates Waste Management’s commitment to managing resources for the improvement of the communities in which we are located.”
Waste Management’s 100 renewable energy projects produce enough electricity to power more than 800,000 homes and save the equivalent of 8.2 million barrels of oil per year. We currently supply enough landfill gas to create more than 250 megawatts of green energy – enough to power 225,000 homes, replacing over 2 million barrels of oil per year.
Waste Management is the leading provider of comprehensive waste and environmental services in North America. For more information about how we think green, log onto www.KeepingInlandEmpireClean.com.
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