Jan 31 2011
A new 4.3 MW landfill gas-to-electricity (LFGTE) facility will be built in The Republic Services Vasco Road Landfill. Ameresco, a firm specializing in energy efficiency solutions, and Republic Services, a renewable energy firm, will construct and operate the facility. Republic Services is the second largest ecological firm in the U.S.
Ameresco and Republic Services have teamed up to develop the $13 million project, which utilizes landfill gas from the latter company’s landfill based at North Vasco Road. Landfill gas comprises approximately 50% of methane and is obtained through natural decomposition of organic material. The gas is easily available and can be used as a vehicle fuel. It can be easily converted into steam, heat or electricity. Ameresco has proposed to leverage the landfill gas created at California’s Vasco Road Landfill. The gas can be used as a fuel to power businesses and households situated in the San Francisco Bay and Santa Clara region. The landfill gas project is expected to begin operations by 2012 end.
Republic Services’ Executive Vice President, Brian Bal, stated that the Vasco Road project represents the company’s seventh LFGTE venture in California and generates approximately 41 MW of power. The project will enable the state to boost its renewable energy standard, will generate more job opportunities and improve the local economy.
Silicon Valley Power’s Electric Division Manager, Jan Pepper, stated that the company is happy to collaborate with Ameresco on LFGTE project and is looking forward to purchase the electricity created from the renewable resource. The project offers a base load generation of electricity at a reasonable price and will allow the company to surpass the state’s RPS needs and deliver a renewable source of electricity for the customers.