Released 20/11/2023
The ACT Government is driving a circular economy by expanding landfill gas capture at the Mugga Lane landfill, reducing emissions and providing reliable renewable energy that could power up to 10,800 homes each year.
In a partnership with Australian owned and operated, clean energy engineers, LGI Limited, the expansion will further enhance capabilities that capture harmful methane emissions building on a successful three year program.
“The ACT Government is excited to be expanding this innovative approach to tackling emissions from landfill by converting harmful methane gas into reliable renewable energy," said Minister Transport Canberra and City Services, Chris Steel.
As we work to divert more organic waste from landfill, we know we also need to tackle the emissions from landfill. Over the past three years, we have been able to reduce 764,000 tonnes of emissions through our partnership with LGI.
“This exciting project will generate 50,000 Megawatt hours of dispatchable energy, which provides enough energy to power up to 10,800 homes in the ACT each year.”
The expansion project will include the establishment of two additional 1 Megawatt gas to energy generators, an additional 12 Megawatt of battery storage and a 20 Megawatt grid connection with Evoenergy.
“The addition of this new battery system will provide storage capacity and rapid dispatch of the renewable energy generated by the engines at times when the grid requires it most,” Minister Steel said.
“Further upgrades to the Mugga Lane site will allow us to go even further with our emission reductions building on the more than 89 million3 of biogas captured at Mugga Lane which has allowed for 105 Gigawatt hours of renewable energy to be generated.”
It is expected LGI will commence work on the expansion in the coming weeks, which will include all relevant development approvals.
The project will see two additional full-time positions employed on the site and significant investment into the local economy through the engagement of local contractors for everything from concreting to catering.
Quotes attributable to LGI Founder and Managing Director, Adam Bloomer:
“Emissions from landfills without biogas management systems can be a significant problem and can contribute up to 80 per cent of a local government’s carbon footprint,” said Mr Bloomer.
“The ACT Government’s carbon cutting approach of using proven, cost-effective technologies to capture and abate the harmful methane emissions from Mugga Lane and generate reliable, dispatchable (24/7) renewable energy is an example of what progressive governments can achieve by prioritising the environment.”
Quote attributed to Evoenergy Chief Executive Officer, John Knox:
“Evoenergy is thrilled to be part of this innovative project. Throughout this project, Evoenergy will undertake significant construction of new cables to the site and involve changes to the upstream network to cater for the 20MW of renewable generation,” said Mr Knox.
“The project will address technical challenges that can arise from this type of connection, and our commitment to creative engineering and delivery solutions will enable the net-zero emissions future and continued reliability of energy supply,"
- Statement ends -
Chris Steel, MLA | Media Releases