Economic and environmental assessment of landfill gas electricity generation in urban districts of Beijing municipality

Abstract

The present study assesses the electricity generation potential of methane from municipal solid waste through landfill gas to energy technology in 16 districts of Beijing municipality. Municipal solid waste generation potential and methane generation potential from landfills of each of the districts were estimated from 2019 to 2038. Economic viability analysis of landfill gas to energy project based on Net Present Value, Levelized Cost of Energy, and Payback Period was conducted. Besides, environmental impact analysis based on greenhouse gas emissions potential was evaluated. Key results indicate that the generation potential of municipal solid waste during the project period is 55,000 to 2,120,000 tons/year. Chaoyang district has the highest municipal solid waste generation potential, while lower municipal solid waste generation potential was observed in Mentougou district. It is also found that Chaoyang district had the highest electricity generation potential of 8,400,000 to 218,300,000 kWh/year. Findings of the economic feasibility analysis show that landfill gas to energy project is viable in all the districts. However, the project is highly viable in Chaoyang district with more positive net present value ($181,100,000), shorter payback period (1.3years), and lower levelized cost of energy ($0.0613/kWh). Greenhouse gas emission potential of landfill gas without energy recovery was the highest in all the districts. It was realized that landfill gas with energy recovery could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 72.3% in all the districts. This paper will provide scientific guidance for investment in landfill gas to energy projects in Beijing municipality and other municipalities of China.