Landfill Methane Outreach Program
Project Profile
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Dairyland LFG Energy Project
- Location:
- Eau Claire, Wisconsin
- End User(s):
- Dairyland Power Cooperative
- Sector(s):
- Utility
- Landfill(s):
- Veolia ES Seven Mile Creek Landfill 2, LLC
- Landfill Size:
- 4.8 million tons waste-in-place (2009)
- Project Type:
- Reciprocating Engine (three Waukesha "Modulator" engines rated at 1,025 kW each and one GE-Jenbacher 320 engine rated at 1,057 kW)
- Project Size:
- 4.2 megawatts (MW)
- Environmental Benefits:
- Carbon sequestered annually by 4,100 acres of pine or fir forests, annual greenhouse gas emissions from 3,700 passenger vehicles, or carbon dioxide emissions from 44,900 barrels of oil consumed. Annual energy savings equate to powering 2,500 homes. Estimated emissions reductions of 0.0053 million metric tons of carbon equivalents.
- LMOP Partners Involved:
- Dairyland Power Cooperative, GE Energy - Jenbacher Gas Engines, Veolia ES Solid Waste, Inc., Waukesha Engine Dresser, Inc.
- Last Updated:
- 7/20/2010
Firmly rooted in principles established at its founding in 1941, Dairyland knocked out two birds with one stone at its Eau Claire, WI landfill gas (LFG) energy project. They wanted to work for the sustainable development of their community and incorporate more environmentally friendly sources of power into their portfolio. At Veolia ES Seven Mile Creek Landfill, Dairyland met both its objectives.
Able to borrow money at competitive rates through the Rural Utilities Service, Dairyland decided to own the project, a role traditionally reserved for the project developer. For help negotiating, designing, and building the project, Dairyland turned to Ameresco, with whom they had already established a working relationship. From there, they supported the local economy by calling on Waukesha Engine, based in Wisconsin, to provide engines.
The project's highlights include the following:
- Renewable energy helps meet Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois renewable portfolio requirements.
- When fully operational, Dairyland expects to generate 24 million kilowatt-hours annually.
- Dairyland tapped LMOP resources to research, justify, and develop the project.
The project was so successful that Dairyland expects to develop two more LFG energy projects, adding 8 MW more renewable power to its portfolio.