Treasure from Trash
Treasure from Trash - Green Gas from Garbage
To celebrate the G-20 Summit coming to Pittsburgh, Direct Energy Business purchased Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) to offset the electricity usage of the entire city for the duration of the Summit. Part of the purchase, 4,000 MWh, came from a landfill gas facility in Harrisburg, Pa.
When trash hits landfills, it compacts and begins to decompose and releases a uniquely composed gas. Landfill gas is approximately 40-60% methane (natural gas contains a much higher concentration) with a large portion of the remaining composition being carbon dioxide. It also contains small portions of non-methane organic compounds such as nitrogen, oxygen and water vapor. Once collected, it can be used for such things such as gas turbines or fuel cells to make electricity boilers to generate heat. Since landfill gas has a lower amount of methane, a harmful greenhouse gas which tears away at the ozone layer, it is much safer to use than natural gas, creating an overall cleaner environment.
Landfill gas is just one of the renewable energy sources that benefit from RECs. You can learn more about RECs here, and find out how Direct Energy Business can help your business make supporting renewable energy sources a part of your integrated energy management plan here.
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