Press release - Jun 07, 2010 09:00 AM

Extra landfill gas engine drives Cornwall’s renewable energy production forwards

The arrival of a sixth 1MW engine at United Mines landfill site, near Redruth this month will increase renewable energy being generated in the county. The engine is in addition to the five already sited at United Mines, and will together produce enough renewable power for approximately 6,200 households a year.

The engines generate electricity by using the gas produced when waste degrades in the landfill. This gas consists of around 50-60 per cent methane, 30-40 per cent carbon dioxide and a mixture of other gases. Wells are installed within the site to collect the landfill gas with the help of large blowers. The gas is fed into engines which use the gas as a fuel (similar to a diesel or LPG engine). The engine’s crank shaft turns an alternator and produces electricity, which is exported to the national grid.

Ari Kong, SITA Power Operations Manager at United Mines landfill said, “The arrival of the sixth engine at United is great news for renewable power in Cornwall. A lot of people are unaware that renewable energy includes power generation such as this, but using landfill gas in this way is a qualifying renewable technology under the Renewables Obligation.”

Ian Mitchell, Assistant Site Manager at United Mines added, “This is a great example of SITA Cornwall’s commitment to reducing the impact of waste on the environment. Not only do engines such as these use the waste we all throw away as a resource for energy production, it also helps to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. For example the sixth engine will save an extra 3,220 tonnes of CO2 every year!”