Overview
The project activity has sought reductions in GHG emission from a landfill in the city of Monterrey. The project has been located in the landfill site which was established on a greenfield site with a total landfill area of 162 hectares. Since operation began in 1999, the landfill has been accepting mostly non-hazardous domestic and commercial waste as well as some non-hazardous hospital and industrial waste. By 2007, seven cells have been closed in Monterrey II site (cells 99, 00, 01, 02, 03, 04, 05). Two more cells (07 and 08) are in operation and more cells in the site have been available for receiving waste in the next 15 years. The landfill gas collection system has been initially installed in the seven cells which have been closed. Other cells have been connected to the collection system upon closure.
The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) project activity has captured the landfill gas and used it as fuel for power generation. The proposed project activity has sustained 5.3 MW capacity power generators that supply energy to the grid. Depending on availability of gas, the installed capacity may increase up to 13 MW. The process for collection and utilization consisted of a landfill gas extraction and collection system using wells connected to vacuum pumps and a gas cleaning system, prior to the use as fuel in gas engines. The project was expected to capture and utilize an estimated 1.5 million tons of CO2e up to 2014.
Benefits
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 are 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;
- Prevent environmental pollution.