In June 1999, Klickitat PUD in Goldendale, Wash. began commercial generation at the region's largest landfill gas-to-energy plant. Located at a regional landfill in Roosevelt (within the PUD’s service territory), the H.W. Hill Landfill Gas Power Plant generates clean, renewable energy from the region’s municipal waste stream.

The plant was initially designed with four Waukesha reciprocating engines converted to run on methane. Total initial capacity was 8.4 megawatts. A fifth engine was added at the end of the plant's first year of operation, boosting capacity to 10.5 megawatts.

The landfill accepts 2 million tons of waste a year, from as far away as Alaska and Northern California. It is permitted for 120 million tons, so there’s lots of room for growth. As the methane supply increases, the PUD expects that the landfill could one day support up to 20 engines and generate around 45 megawatts -- more than the PUD's current load.

How green is green?
The plant is the ultimate in recycling, says General Manager Tom Svendsen -— yesterday’s municipal waste becomes tomorrow’s green energy.

Landfill gas-to-energy plants are recognized as renewable resources by the Northwest Power Planning Council, the federal Environmental Protection Agency, and others. In fact, EPA says, “This technology is the only renewable source of power that actually removes pollution from the air.”

That’s because methane, a natural byproduct of waste decomposition, is a potent greenhouse gas —- 20 times more destructive than carbon dioxide. The PUD's plant collects and harnesses the methane to generate clean, renewable electricity -— and benefit the environment.

The State of Washington recognizes the project as green, granting it the same sales tax exemptions given to wind and solar projects. Further, the U.S. Department of Energy says it qualifies for Renewable Energy Production Incentive payments.

Lowest cost renewable
This electricity is the least cost new renewable power option available in the region today. Compared to the cost of wind or solar, landfill gas-to-energy is the clear price winner.

Market research consistently shows that a segment of customers are willing -- even eager -- to pay more for electricity if it is green. This project is the lowest cost way to satisfy that customer desire.

Marketing green power
Due to the constraints of the PUD's power contract with BPA, it is difficult for local PUD customers to use this power before October 2001. Therefore, the PUD is selling the output to three Washington PUDs: Snohomish PUD in Everett (5 megawatts), Benton PUD in Pasco (1 megawatt) and Clallam PUD in Port Angeles (1 megawatt). In addition, Goldendale Aluminum Co. is purchasing 1 megawatt through the Bonneville Environmental Fund.

With a new fifth engine in summer 2000, the plant is generating an additional 2.1 megawatts.

For information, contact the PUD Power Manager, Allen, at 509-773-7608.