Energy from landfill gas

Landfill gas is generated in every landfill by the natural decomposition of waste. The gas produced comprises approximately 60% methane and is a valuable resource that can be used to generate electricity. As a result, landfill gas makes an important contribution to the UK Government´s renewable energy programme — which aims to reduce the UK´s dependence on fossil fuels.

At Welbeck, landfill gas is collected by a series of wells and pipework and is currently burned in a high temperature flare, as approved by the Environment Agency.  Additional wells have recently been installed at Welbeck to further improve the system for collecting landfill gas.

Flaring of the gas collected will continue until the landfill gas generators are installed at Welbeck.  It is predicted that these on-site generators will contribute up to 8MW of electricity to the national grid - enough electricity to support the needs of more than 8,000 homes.