An innovative collaboration between Weber County, UT and Qnergy turned a pressing environmental problem into a sustainable asset for the community.
By Ory Zik
Methane emissions are a critical environmental challenge, and closed landfills remain significant contributors to this issue. In Weber County, UT, a retired landfill near the county鈥檚 recreation park was quietly emitting methane鈥攁 greenhouse gas 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide over a 20-year timeframe, as identified by the EPA. Tackling these emissions required an innovative solution that could not only mitigate environmental harm, but also deliver economic and operational value.
Qnergy offered a scalable and efficient solution to address the methane emissions. What followed was a collaborative effort that addressed the localized environmental problem and paved the way for transformative advancements in renewable energy and landfill management.
Photos courtesy of Qnergy.
The Problem: A Persistent Environmental Threat
Although inactive since 1997, the closed Weber County landfill continued emitting harmful levels of methane, jeopardizing regional environmental goals and public health. Located adjacent to the county鈥檚 archery park, the site was a stark reminder of the environmental risks posed by closed landfills. This is not just a local issue, but part of a global challenge requiring actionable solutions tailored to smaller sites like this one. Weber County needed a cost-effective, efficient, and
sustainable solution to eliminate methane emissions while creating tangible value for the community.
鈥淲eber County, long recognized for its aerospace and manufacturing industries, is redefining its identity as a renewable energy hub. Partnering with Qnergy to reduce methane emissions from closed landfills marks the first step in unlocking the county鈥檚 future potential,鈥� says Stephanie Russell, Director of Economic Development for Weber County.
The Solution: Qnergy鈥檚 Platform
In August 2023, Weber County partnered with Qnergy to pilot its Methane Destruction System. This innovative technology uses a Free Piston Stirling Engine with an enclosed flare to destroy methane while converting it into utility-grade electricity, transforming a liability into a renewable energy asset.
The system was operational within days of installation and has consistently achieved more than 95 percent methane abatement since its launch. Funding for the project comes from the sale of carbon credits generated by methane reduction, with Weber County benefiting from a revenue-sharing model. This approach provided environmental and economic benefits, setting a precedent for how closed landfills can become sustainable assets.
Why Weber County Chose Qnergy
Weber County selected Qnergy for its expertise in scalable methane abatement, groundbreaking Free Piston Stirling Engine technology, and an innovative funding model that removed financial barriers while offering shared revenue from carbon credits.
With thousands of units deployed globally, Qnergy has already eliminated millions of tons of CO2e emissions, solidifying its position as a leader in distributed methane mitigation. Weber County was impressed by Qnergy鈥檚 ability to tailor its solution to the landfill鈥檚 specific needs, delivering results that benefited both the environment and the county鈥檚 budget.
The Results: Transforming Challenges into Opportunities
The partnership has exceeded expectations. Key achievements include:
鈥� More than 95 percent methane abatement, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
鈥� Utility-grade electricity generation, creating value from an idle site.
鈥� New revenue streams through carbon credit sales.
鈥� Minimal maintenance requirements, reducing operational burdens on county staff.
鈥� Lowered environmental risks for the surrounding recreation park and neighboring communities.
鈥淭he success of this project positions Weber County as a leader in sustainable landfill management and renewable energy innovation,鈥� says Russell.
Looking Ahead: Expanding the Vision
Encouraged by the pilot program鈥檚 success, Weber County is exploring additional projects with Qnergy. Plans are underway to implement similar systems at other closed landfills and integrate solar panels to diversify the county鈥檚 renewable energy portfolio further.
A Model for Public-Private Collaboration
Closed landfills and newly opened cells are prime candidates for Qnergy鈥檚 methane abatement platform, as demonstrated in Weber County. They are eager to expand their efforts and continue mitigating emissions from other landfills across the U.S.
The success of the Weber County project underscores the importance of forward-thinking leadership and public-private partnerships in addressing climate change. This innovative collaboration turned a pressing environmental problem into a sustainable asset for the community. | WA
Ory Zik is CEO of Qnergy and a seasoned leader in renewable energy and other solutions to Climate Change. His previous roles include co-founding and leading HelioFocus, which developed solar thermal solutions for conventional power plants, as well as founding Energy Points, an environmental performance analytics platform, and Quantomix, which pioneered the visualization of live cells in electron microscopes. Connect with Ory through LinkedIn For more information on Qnergy, visit .