Weber County has partnered with Qnergy to install a Methane Destruction System at the closed County landfill located next to the Weber County Archery Park. The methane harvested will be utilized for carbon credits that will fund the project and generate revenue, and in turn, help protect the environment from potent greenhouse gas.
In August 2023, the County and Qnergy kicked off a pilot program to convert the methane emitted from the closed landfill into on-site electricity. Because of the pilot program鈥檚 success, the County and Qnergy have expanded the project to abate more than 95% of methane emissions from the closed landfill.
听鈥淲e鈥檙e taking a closed landfill that emits greenhouse gas and repurposing it,鈥� said Weber County Economic Development Director Stephanie Russell. 鈥淢ethane is very harmful to the environment and we鈥檙e not only abating it, but harvesting it into renewable energy. Weber County is the first county in Utah to do this.鈥�
听The Methane Destruction System comprises a Qnergy PowerGen that powers an enclosed flare system. The PowerGen is Qnergy鈥檚 proprietary technology based on a Free Piston Stirling Engine that converts the methane into reliable, utility-grade electricity. Meanwhile, the flare enables complete methane destruction. Together, the unit generates carbon credits that will bring in a revenue stream while eliminating emissions from the site.
听鈥淨nergy is proud to partner with our home county to eliminate methane emissions from the landfill neighboring a public park. This installation is in line with our strategy to turn closed landfills from liabilities into assets,鈥� said Qnergy CEO Ory Zik. 鈥淲e鈥檙e eager to deploy additional units throughout Utah and beyond.鈥�
The County is working with cities to expand the project to other closed landfills and is looking to possibly install solar panels on the County鈥檚 closed landfill. A press conference will be held in August to officially announce the expansion and share results, progress, and future plans.