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City of Saskatoon
City of Saskatoon
07/17/2012 | Press release
City Drills Gas Wells at Landfill For Power Generation Project
distributed by noodls on 07/17/2012 12:16
July 17, 2012
US12-262
Saskatoon Light & Power is in the process of finishing a key phase of the Saskatoon Landfill Gas to Energy project as gas well drilling nears completion this week.
"This is an exciting time for Saskatoon Light & Power," says Metering & Sustainable ElectricityManager Kevin Hudson. "In the spirit of Strategic Goals, Continuous Improvement and Environmental Leadership, this project is part of the first power generation system built by the City in over a hundred years.
Drilling began with the successful sinking of the first well in May. Since then, work has progressed to drill a total of 29 vertical wells into the capped area of the Landfill. The clay cap was installed over 12 hectares of the north mound last year.
The project consists of two separate components: a landfill gas collection system and power generation facility.
"Landfill gas is a natural by-product of decomposing organic material in municipal solid waste," Hudson says. "The gas will be drawn out of the landfill through the wells and piped to a blower and flare station," Hudson says.
"The gas will then be treated to remove moisture and sent to the power facility - a small amount that can't be used will be flared off."
The new facility is the first power generation station to be built by the City since 1911; it will include two 800 kW generators --1600kW of electricity is enough to power 1300 homes.
The project is expected to remove 46,800 tonnes of greenhouse gasses each year (which is comparable to removing 9,350 cars from the road).
Construction will continue for the next year with power production starting summer 2013.
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