Generating CO(2)-credits through landfill in situ aeration

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Climate Change Mitigation
• Waste Management Engineering

Background:

• Landfills are significant anthropogenic sources of global methane emissions.
• While gas extraction and energy recovery systems have reduced emissions, residual gas production continues.
• Ongoing methane emissions persist even after energy recovery becomes economically unviable.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the potential of landfill in situ aeration for reducing methane emissions.
• To quantify the reduction in greenhouse gas emission potential achievable through this method.
• To assess the applicability of landfill aeration for generating Certified Emission Reductions (CERs).

Main Methods:

• Model calculations to determine avoided CO(2-eq).
• Online monitoring data analysis.
• Case study of an in situ aerated landfill in northern Germany.

Main Results:

• Achieved 83-95% reduction in greenhouse gas emission potential under controlled conditions.
• Demonstrated avoidance of methane emissions during aeration and aftercare.
• Quantified emission reductions based on monitoring and modeling.

Conclusions:

• Landfill in situ aeration is an effective strategy for mitigating methane emissions.
• The method can significantly reduce the overall greenhouse gas impact of landfills.
• Approved UNFCCC methodology supports landfill aeration for CER generation under CDM projects.