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CO2
Emission Calculation
Total
generation = 7 MW
Plant Life = 20 years
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CO2
|
350,000
metric tons per year
|
7,000,000
metric tons
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Baseline
Calculation:
For
the NovaGerar project, the project
scenario is the collection and utilization
of landfill gas for the generation of
electricity. Methane, the main energy
component of landfill gas, is a
particularly potent greenhouse gas, having
roughly 21 times the global warming
effects of carbon dioxide. Utilization of
the landfill gas will convert the methane
content to less potent carbon dioxide. Use
of the landfill gas will effectively
result in the avoidance of approximately
300,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year,
and cumulative GHG emission reductions of
over 3.5 million tonnes during the period
2002-2012. The project scenario also has
the potential for further emission
reductions as the electricity generated on
site will displace use of electricity
generated from other sources. At this
stage it has been assumed that the
Brazilian energy matrix is 100%
hydropower, and displacing electricity
generated from hydro does not result in
appreciable greenhouse gas emission
reductions. In reality, the Brazilian
energy matrix is comprised of a majority
of hydropower and small, but increasing,
elements of natural gas and diesel.
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The
gas projections are estimates based on
limited data and assumptions. Gas
generation is predicated on several
criteria including moisture content,
pH, organic content, temperature,
oxygen, etc. Variation in any of these
parameters could alter gas production.
Detailed studies are required to
confirm landfill gas generation
predictions.
-
Effective
gas collection is contingent on the
amount and location of liquids within
the landfill. High liquid levels could
substantially reduce gas collection
volumes.
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A
detailed analysis of the landfill gas
composition is required. The presence
of aromatics, sulfur compounds or
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) for
example, may require specific disposal
strategies for health reasons or to
prevent corrosion of equipment, pipes,
etc.
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Cost
of construction and performance of the
gas collection system is dependent on
the economic availability in Brazil of
certain materials such as high-density
polyethylene pipe (HDPE), HDPE fusion
welders, and polyvinylchloride (PVC)
pipe. This will need to be defined.
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Construction
practices and availability of
contractors (such as drillers
experienced in solid waste landfills)
may have an impact on gas collection
system cost and performance.
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Collection
system operations could limit gas
production. That is, aggressive
extraction of landfill gas could
reduce the anaerobic landfill
environment by introducing higher
oxygen concentrations that could
curtail methane gas generation.
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Power
transmission uncertainties by local
utilities may affect on-line
percentages.
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Parts
availability and readiness of supply
could affect power plant operation,
maintenance and overall performance.
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