Landfill Gas Formation, Recovery and Emission in The Netherlands

Abstract

Landfills are one of the main sources of methane in The Netherlands. Methane emissions from landfills are estimated to be about 180–580 ktonnes (Gg) per year at a total of 760–1730 ktonnes. Landfill gas recovery and utilization is recognized as a cost-effective way of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. At this moment 17 landfill gas projects are operational in The Netherlands. In 1992 89.6 million m3 of landfill gas was recovered of which 71.0 million m3 was utilized. Recovery resulted in a methane emission reduction of 34,8 ktonnes and utilization brought about a carbon dioxide emission reduction of 66.5 ktonnes. The efficiency of landfill gas recovery as a means for greenhouse gas emission reduction is related to its integral efficiency. High integral efficiencies imply landfill gas recovery during the exploitation period. This is technologically possible and will be cheap, if one takes into consideration landfill gas formation and recovery when the landfill is designed.