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IPCC – Model to calculate the Methane Gas Production in Land-fills
Published on 12 December 2019
Germany
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About this good practice
Methane emissions from landfills are the main source for greenhouse gases in the sector waste and waste water. In order to manage the degassing system of landfills, the future utilization of the gas and necessary aftercare measures, the IPCC model (IPCC 1996 Revised Guidelines), adjusted by the First Order Decay (FOD) method, can be applied to simulate the methane (CH4) production from solid waste over time. The model is empirically based. The results can be used for further meta-analysis.
The assumption of the model is that the biodegradable organic-C-pool is mainly converted to CH4. So the organic C-pool of the waste disposed is the crucial input factor to run the simulation. The data can be obtained by documentations of waste disposal. The time of disposal is of importance, as decomposition steadily occurs. Howev-er, unfortunately, in most cases the quality of the waste is unknown. The quality and C-content can be estimated by the year of disposal (usually waste composition from each decade differs from each other) and by analysis of waste, extracted from the landfill by core drilling.
Other main factors of the model are the half-life value and the methane correction factor.
The output of the simulation shows the different phases of landfillgas production, which are characterized by a specific composition of the gas. Gas treatment system can be planed according to the results and adapted.
The assumption of the model is that the biodegradable organic-C-pool is mainly converted to CH4. So the organic C-pool of the waste disposed is the crucial input factor to run the simulation. The data can be obtained by documentations of waste disposal. The time of disposal is of importance, as decomposition steadily occurs. Howev-er, unfortunately, in most cases the quality of the waste is unknown. The quality and C-content can be estimated by the year of disposal (usually waste composition from each decade differs from each other) and by analysis of waste, extracted from the landfill by core drilling.
Other main factors of the model are the half-life value and the methane correction factor.
The output of the simulation shows the different phases of landfillgas production, which are characterized by a specific composition of the gas. Gas treatment system can be planed according to the results and adapted.
Expert opinion
Due to anaerobic conditions in a landfill, methane gas is produced from the decomposing organic matter. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas and can leak into the environment but can also be used for the production of electricity, heat and fuel.
The method described in the good practice is an excellent tool for policy makers to simulate the potential of the methane gas contained in the landfill and to decide how to utilise the gas. With the enormous legacy of landfills in Europe, the utilisation of the methane gas will have an important impact on the reduction of greenhouse gas emission whilst at the same time allowing local communities to produce renewable energy.
The method described in the good practice is an excellent tool for policy makers to simulate the potential of the methane gas contained in the landfill and to decide how to utilise the gas. With the enormous legacy of landfills in Europe, the utilisation of the methane gas will have an important impact on the reduction of greenhouse gas emission whilst at the same time allowing local communities to produce renewable energy.
Works at
Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platform
Resources needed
The only resource is needed is the knowledge about the landfill.
Evidence of success
As soon as the measure has been implemented and evaluated, the data can be used for the future degassing system installation and further planning.
Potential for learning or transfer
In the EU are 500.000 landfills. These landfills develop methane and carbon dioxide. The gases reinforce the greenhouse effect.
In order to avoid these effects a gas prediction can be used to plan a degassing system and utilisation more efficiently.
The treatment of gas is crucial to reduce emissions and green-house effect since CH4 is 21-time more harmful than CO2.
In order to avoid these effects a gas prediction can be used to plan a degassing system and utilisation more efficiently.
The treatment of gas is crucial to reduce emissions and green-house effect since CH4 is 21-time more harmful than CO2.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change IPCC
Germany
Stuttgart