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Landfill Methane Outreach Program (LMOP)

Landfill Gas Energy Project Development Handbook

The LFG Energy Project Development Handbook (PDH) provides an overview of landfill gas (LFG) energy project development guidance and presents the technological, economic and regulatory considerations that affect the feasibility and success of LFG energy projects. Landfill owners, energy service providers, end users, representatives of state agencies and local government, community members and other interested stakeholders will benefit from information provided in this handbook as they work together to develop successful LFG energy projects.

The handbook is organized into several chapters that address various aspects of LFG energy projects. See below for the main elements included in each chapter. The complete PDH or individual chapters can be viewed or downloaded here.


LMOP PDH Front MatterFront Materials

  • Cover
  • Table of Contents
  • Units of Measure, Element Symbols, Constants and Variables
  • Abbreviations and Acronyms

LMOP PDH IntroductionIntroduction

  • Using the Project Development Handbook
  • Disclaimer
  • About LMOP

LMOP PDH Chapter 1Chapter 1. Landfill Gas Energy Basics

  • What is LFG?
  • LFG Collection and Flaring
  • LFG Treatment
  • Uses of LFG
  • Environmental and Economic Benefits of LFG Energy Recovery
  • Regulatory Framework
  • Steps to Developing LFG Energy Projects

LMOP PDH Chapter 2Chapter 2. Landfill Gas Modeling

  • Introduction to LandGEM
  • Estimating LFG Collection
  • Model Limitations

LMOP PDH Chapter 3Chapter 3. Project Technology Options

  • Design Factors
  • Electricity Generation
  • Direct Use of Medium-Btu Gas
  • Conversion to High-Btu Gas
  • Selection of Technology

LMOP PDH Chapter 4Chapter 4. Project Economics and Financing

  • Step 1: Quantify Capital and O&M Costs
  • Step 2: Estimate Energy Sales Revenues and Other Revenue Streams or Incentives
  • Step 3: Assess Economic Feasibility
  • Step 4: Compare All Economically Feasible Options and Select Winners
  • Step 5: Assess Project Financing Options

LMOP PDH Chapter 5Chapter 5. Landfill Gas Contracts and Regulations

  • Power Sales Agreements
  • LFG Purchase Agreements
  • Environmental Attribute Agreements
  • Regulations and Permitting

LMOP PDH Chapter 6Chapter 6. Evaluating and Working with Project Partners

  • Approaches to Project Development
  • Selecting a Project Developer (Pure Development Approach)
  • Identifying Project Partners (Self-Development Approach)
  • Interacting with Project Partners
  • Evaluating Projects from an End User’s Perspective

 LMOP PDH Chapter 7Chapter 7. Best Practices for Landfill Gas Collection System Design and Installation

  • Facility Review
  • LFG Collectors
  • Lateral and Header Piping
  • Condensate Management
  • Blowers and Compressors
  • Installation Best Practices

 LMOP PDH Chapter 8Chapter 8. Best Practices for Landfill Gas Collection System Operation and Maintenance

  • System Vacuum
  • Managing Excess Liquids in Collection System
  • GCS Monitoring
  • Health and Safety

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