Power generation from municipal solid waste landfilled in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region

Abstract

The present study assesses the electricity generation potential of landfill gas to energy projects in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. The study used historical data on municipal solid waste disposed of in landfills in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region from 2004 to 2018. The Landfill Gas Emission Model (LandGEM) software version 3.02 was used to evaluate the methane generation potential of the municipal solid waste. An economic feasibility analysis was conducted on the landfill gas to energy projects using economic indicators such as the net present value, investment payback period, and levelized cost of energy. Also, a sensitivity analysis was performed to determine the influence of variation in the discount rate, landfill gas collection efficiency, capacity factor, and power generation efficiency on the economic viability of the project. The main findings of the study show that the total electricity generation potential from landfill methane in the region is 12,525.2 GWh. The highest total electricity generation potential is in Beijing, while the lowest is in Tianjin. It was realized from the economic analysis that the project is feasible at all the locations in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. However, the project is highly feasible in Beijing, with a more positive net present value, lower investment payback period, and lower levelized cost of energy. It was found that the investment payback period of the project in the region is 11.3 y to 14.3 y, and the levelized cost of energy is $0.1402/kWh to $0.2260/kWh. The sensitivity analysis shows that at a discount rate exceeding 15%, the project is infeasible in the Beijing municipality and Hebei province, while it is infeasible at a discount rate of more than 10% in Tianjin. This study could provide technical guidance for investment in landfill gas to energy projects in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and other parts of China.