Overview
The purpose of this project was to maintain, expand and improve the landfill gas collection system and electricity generation facilities operated by Bionergia de Nuevo Leon S.A. de C.V (BENLESA) at Monterrey I in Mexico. Furthermore, the project activity was expected to sustain (7.42 MW) and expand (to 8.48 MW) the power generation supplied to the national grid and displace fossil fuel-based generation. The process for collection and utilization consisted of a landfill gas extraction and collection system using wells connected to vacuum pumps, a gas cleaning system and gas engines.
Specifically, this Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) project activity included: the overhaul of the existing biogas engines, the expansion of the landfill site, digging new extraction wells and expanding the electricity generation system.
Benefits
The 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). It contributed to improvement of the solid waste management practices through remediation program for closure of landfills. The main social and environmental benefits from improved landfill gas management practices have been a positive effect on health and local environment. The project also created employment in the local area and will supply renewable energy to the grid.
Finally, the project contributed to host country’s goals of promoting sustainable development, specifically through:
- Transfer of clean and efficient technologies;
- Generation of clean renewable energy;
- Creation of employment opportunities;
- Improvement of the waste management practices and prevention of environmental pollution.