Qnergy expands methane abatement project at closed Utah landfill

Weber County, Utah, has partnered with Qnergy, an Ogden Utah-based conversion technology provider, 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 methane emitted from the closed landfill into on-site electricity. Because of the pilot program’s success, the county and Qnergy have expanded the project to abate more than 95 percent of methane emissions from the closed landfill.

“We’re taking a closed landfill that emits greenhouse gas and repurposing it,” Weber County Economic Development Director Stephanie Russell says. “Methane is very harmful to the environment and we’re not only abating it but harvesting it into renewable energy. Weber County is the first county in Utah to do this.”

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The methane destruction system comprises a Qnergy PowerGen that powers an enclosed flare system. The PowerGen is Qnergy’s proprietary technology based on a free-piston Stirling engine that converts 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.

“Qnergy 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,” Qnergy CEO Ory Zik says. “We’re eager to deploy additional units throughout Utah and beyond.”

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’s closed landfill. A news conference will be held in August to officially announce the expansion and share results, progress and future plans.