Nov 20 2009
Ameresco, on behalf of the City of Santa Clara, unveiled a clean energy project designed to capture and utilize the gas generated from closed municipal landfill in the city. Per hour, Ameresco’s gas-to-energy solution can generate 750 kilowatts of clean electricity from the gas emanating from the decomposing organic waste at the landfill.
Silicon Valley Power, the city’s municipal electric utility, is purchasing the plant’s electric output. Three Ingersoll Rand MT250 microturbines will capture and consume the gas from the decomposing organic waste and convert it into electricity, which will be adequate to address the needs of over 477 homes. In addition, the project will reduce carbon emissions equivalent to that possible from the plantation of 996 acres of fir or pine trees. The project will result in an annual savings of 0.5 million gallons of gas.
Vice President of Ameresco, Michael Bakas, expressed Ameresco’s pleasure on being involved in such an innovative project that exploits a natural resource for generating a precious, clean energy source.
City of Santa Clara’s Mayor, Patricia M. Mahan, believes this project has set an example for others to follow.
Brent Becker, Ingersoll Rand’s general manager for the energy systems business, said that the company was pleased that its 250kW microturbine has met the criteria for becoming part of a progressive project.
The City of Santa Clara has been converting landfill gas into electricity and the new Gas-to-Energy project at Ameresco Landfill plant is regarded to play a key role in its continuous commitment towards the development of sustainable, green power and renewable energy sources for the community and electric utility customers of Santa Clara.
Ameresco is North America’s largest independent provider of energy services, constructing energy projects over $4 billion around the globe. Ameresco’s employee base is over 650-strong, and the company operates through 50 offices spread across the region.
Source: www.ameresco.com/