A Source of Renewable Energy

In the early stages of the Green Energy program, Georgia Power will use methane gas created by the decay of landfill waste as its primary form of biomass. The technology for collecting and using landfill gas is well-developed, making methane one of the most efficient and low-cost sources of renewable energy.

Landfill gas is largely composed of methane and carbon dioxide, which must be burned to avoid hazards of accumulation. By burning methane in boilers, Georgia Power produces steam for power generation. Depending upon the size and age of a landfill, generators at landfill gas sites tend to produce between three and eight megawatts of electric power. A five-megawatt plant would produce approximately 39 million kilowatt-hours per year - enough to supply about 3,200 homes.

Because landfill gas can have extremely detrimental greenhouse gas effects, using it to generate energy contributes positively to a better environment with reduced air emissions and thermal pollution. In addition, the relatively low cost of methane gas from landfills helps lower the overall cost of green power generation, thereby supporting the growth of a variety of renewable energy resources. (more)

Learn about solar options for customers.