Potrero Hills Landfill begins conversion of landfill gas to bioenergy in California

Potrero Hills Energy Producers, a partnership between DTE Biomass Energy and Pacolet Milliken Enterprises, has started generating electricity from landfill gas.

This clean source of electricity comes from a newly constructed renewable energy facility at the Potrero Hills Landfill in Suisun City, California.

DTE Biomass Energy, the developer and operator of the project, declared commercial operation of the 8MW facility at the landfill, which is operated by Waste Connections, bases in The Woodlands, Texas.

Gas generated at the landfill will be used to produce renewable energy for Pacific Gas & Electric under a long-term purchase agreement.

The power plant uses advanced engine-generating technology to deliver enough renewable electricity to power 10,000 California homes.

"We're looking forward to working with our partner, Waste Connections, and becoming a valued member of the Solano County business community," said Mark Cousino, DTE Biomass Energy president.

"We're proud to bring the latest in landfill gas technology to this project."

The landfill gas-to-energy facility is equipped with advanced environmental controls that treat incoming landfill gas to reduce sulphur content prior to combustion, thereby reducing emissions of sulphur dioxide.

Post-combustion catalytic reduction, not unlike a vehicle's catalytic converter system, further lowers carbon monoxide and formaldehyde emissions.

"This project will help California meet its renewable energy goals and we're proud to be a part of that," said Ralph Walker, executive VP at Pacolet Milliken Enterprises.

"Converting waste to power is good for the environment and the community."