Converting landfill gas to energy in Northern Turkey: Print A Tree Project

Context

In Turkey, over 90% of the waste produced by household and industrial sources is directed to landfill sites. This waste then breaks down and releases methane into the atmosphere, a greenhouse gas which is estimated to account for more than a third of today’s anthropogenic global warming. While not as long-lived as carbon dioxide, molecule-for-molecule methane has a much stronger impact on climate stability.

Rather than allowing this methane to pollute the atmosphere, there is potential for it to be captured and used as an energy source instead. Through a process known as landfill gas recovery and utilisation (LFGU), electricity can be generated from the methane that is released from decomposing waste. The methane is first collected through a series of underground wells and then treated before being burned in an engine or turbine, which generates power. This method of energy production has been identified as offering benefits such as reduced fuel costs, improved air quality, and greater energy security. It also offers an opportunity to reduce emissions by providing renewable energy sources that are less damaging to the environment than traditional fossil fuels.

Project

The Samsun Landfill Gas to Energy Project is a pioneering initiative aimed at harnessing the methane gas emitted from the Samsun landfill site, located 8km southwest of the city of Samsun on Turkey’s north coast. This project will use landfill gas to generate clean electricity that will be supplied to the national grid.

Each year, the landfill site receives a sizeable amount of waste – an estimated 304,466 tonnes, which amounts to around 800 tonnes per day. A newly constructed collection and utilisation system will be used to capture this gas and convert it into power. The generated electricity is expected to reach 54,600 MWh annually – enough energy to power homes and businesses in nearby areas.

This project has multiple benefits for both the global environment and the local community. Regarding environmental impact, the most noteworthy benefit would be avoiding greenhouse gases from being released into the atmosphere while providing a renewable energy source – reducing dependence on fossil fuels on a global scale. Studies suggest that this project will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 142,395 tonnes annually, equivalent to taking over 30 thousand cars off the road yearly. As for local community benefits, this project holds great potential for creating new employment opportunities and training programs for residents in the Samsun area, giving around 20-25 permanent jobs in total.

Overall, this groundbreaking energy project promises to bring immense value to local people and the global environment, helping us create a better future for generations to come.

Verification

This project is verified by the Gold Standard. You can view it on the Gold Standard registry here.

Climate solution #58

Landfill Methane Capture

Landfills generate methane as organic waste decomposes. Rather than getting released as emissions, that methane can be captured and used to produce electricity.

Over the course of a century, methane has 34 times the greenhouse effect of carbon dioxide. Landfills are a top source of methane emissions, releasing 12 percent of the world’s total. Landfill methane can be tapped, captured, and used as a fairly clean energy source for generating electricity or heat, rather than leaking into the air or being dispersed as waste. 

From drawdown.org

Photos

The photos below have been shared by our partners at Ecologi. All rights are reserved.

UN's Sustainable Development Goals:

Samsun Landfill Gas to Energy

As a Printlogik customer, you automatically donate towards our Print A Tree Project through any purchase you make with us. Your money supports projects in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Here are the goals recognised by the Samsun Landfill Gas to Energy project: