Overview
The purpose of this Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) project activity has been to maintain, expand and improve the landfill gas (LFG) collection system and electricity generation facilities operated by Bionergia de Nuevo Leon S.A. de C.V (BENLESA) at Monterrey I in Mexico.
The scenario existing prior to the start of the implementation of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) project activity was a demonstration project that received grant financing from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The objective of the GEF project was to develop a demonstration project consisting in the capture of 1million tons of CO2e and was fulfilled in 2007.
The landfill received waste from 1991-2004 (demonstration project) and received waste from 2011 to 2013 (landfill expansion). This Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) project activity has maintained, improved and extended the capture of the landfill gas and use it as a fuel for power generation which would otherwise be released to the atmosphere. Furthermore, the project activity has sustained (7.42 MW) and expanded (to 8.48 MW) the power generation supplied to the national grid and displace fossil fuel-based generation. The process for collection and utilization has consisted of a landfill gas extraction and collection system using wells connected to vacuum pumps, a gas cleaning system and gas engines.
Benefits
This Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) project was expected to reduce greenhouse gases emissions by 209,273 tCO2e per year (on average) during the first crediting period compared to the baseline scenario (i.e., the sale of the engines and release of the LFG to the atmosphere). The project has contributed to improved solid waste management practices through remediation program for closure of landfills. The main social and environmental benefits from improved landfill gas management practices have had a positive effect on health and local environment. The project has also created employment in the local area and will supply renewable energy to the grid.
The project has contributed to host country’s goals of promoting sustainable development. More specifically:
- Transfer clean and efficient technologies;
- Generate clean renewable energy;
- Create employment opportunities;
- Improve waste management practices and prevent environmental pollution.