Report: Landfill solar is key to the future of clean energy production.
A new report titled “The Future of Landfills is Bright”, written by the Rocky Mountains Institute, an independent, non-partisan nonprofit that transforms global energy systems through market-driven solutions, is bringing light to a groundbreaking approach to clean energy production: repurposing closed landfills into solar farms.
In 2021, the Rocky Mountains Institute found that there are over 10,000 closed landfills scattered across the United States, presenting a significant and largely untapped opportunity for clean energy production. Surpassing two-thirds of the country’s total installed solar power capacity from 2020, these dormant sites hold immense potential to contribute to our future energy needs with renewable resources.
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Their unique characteristics make closed landfills particularly suitable for solar panel installations. Unlike undeveloped land, closed landfills provide extensive open spaces with minimal shading, allowing for optimal sunlight exposure that maximizes the efficiency of solar arrays. Moreover, repurposing to landfill solar farms helps alleviate concerns about converting valuable agricultural or natural landscapes into energy production zones, offering a dual benefit for energy sustainability and responsible land use.
A key aspect highlighted in the report is the utilization of landfill methane gas, a potent greenhouse gas emitted during the decomposition of organic waste, for energy generation. By capturing and harnessing methane emissions from closed landfills, these sites can become dual-purpose facilities that not only produce clean electricity but also reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions. This approach transforms waste into a valuable energy resource while contributing to environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation efforts.
By leveraging these sites for landfill solar energy generation and methane capture, we can advance our transition towards renewable energy sources while addressing environmental challenges associated with waste management and greenhouse gas emissions. This innovative approach aligns with sustainability and circular economy principles, highlighting the importance of using untapped resources to power a greener and more resilient future.
The report advocates for a shift towards a circular economy mindset, where closed landfills are viewed not as waste sites but as valuable resources for clean energy generation. Embracing this innovative approach shows the transformative potential of repurposing existing infrastructure to meet the demands of a sustainable future.
An example of a landfill solar can be found in the neighbourhood of Sunnyside in Houston, which has historically been overlooked and impacted by a landfill for over 80 years is now on the brink of transformation. In early 2021, plans were announced to convert a 240-acre site within Sunnyside into the largest landfill solar installation in the nation, encompassing a 52-megawatt solar farm.
This ambitious project aims to repurpose the once negatively perceived landfill site into a renewable energy hub. The solar farm is expected to become operational by late 2022 or early 2023, ushering in a new era for Sunnyside and the surrounding community. Once fully operational, this solar installation will generate enough clean electricity to offset approximately 120 million pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions annually, making a significant contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving local air quality. This transformative project serves as a model for sustainable development, demonstrating how marginalized communities can be empowered through innovative approaches that prioritize environmental stewardship and social equity.
The Rocky Mountain Institute’s report paints an optimistic picture of landfill solar’s potential to revolutionize clean energy production. By leveraging closed landfills as prime real estate for solar farms and harnessing methane emissions for power generation, we can unlock significant opportunities for increased renewable energy capacity, reduced environmental impact, and economic benefits. As we look ahead, the transformative power of landfill solar holds the promise of reshaping our energy landscape and paving the way towards a more sustainable future for generations to come.
