A Linear Programing Approach for Landfill Gas Utilization for Renewable Energy Production

Abstract:

Landfill gas (LFG) is a mixture of gases mainly CH₄ and CO₂ which are the most problematic of the greenhouse gases (GHGs) due primarily to their highest rate of accumulation in the environment. These two main GHGs are emitted from most landfills in developing countries. As a mitigation measure, the gases can be collected and utilized as renewable energy source. This research therefore aimed at planning the utilization of LFG for renewable energy production using linear programing approach executed in general algebraic modeling system (GAMS) and applied to Seelong landfill in Johor, Malaysia as the case study. GAMS (the optimizer) selects the most profitable LFG utilization technology from a number of options such as: gas engine, gas turbine and steam turbine for electricity or combined heat and power production; steam boiler for steam production; direct LFG distribution to residences/industries as substitutes to natural gas. The results from the optimizer gave a maximum profit of USD2.54 million per year. This included revenues from product sale and carbon credit. The results also revealed that GHG reduction of about 9,000 tons CO_2eq were accomplished, and thus this is environmentally and economically beneficial environmentally (in terms of carbon credit). Furthermore, the optimization results revealed that steam turbine running on low grade LFG is the most feasible option in terms of profitability and environmental consideration. This approach can be applied to any sanitary landfill as a means of simultaneously curbing GHG emission and generating revenue.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volume 699)
• Pages: 619-624
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.699.619
• Online since: November 2014
• Authors: Saeed Isa Ahmed, Anwar Johari, Haslenda Hashim, Ramli Mat, Jeng Shiun Lim, Hajar Alias, Norzita Ngadi, Ali Asmadi
• Keywords: GAMS, Greenhouse Gas Mitigation, Landfill Gas, Renewable Energy (RE)

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