Landfill Energy Systems Starts Denver-Area LFGTE Facility

Landfill Energy Systems (LES) said it has begun operating a landfill gas-to-energy plant in Erie, Colo., outside of Denver.

The 3.2 megawatt facility will use biomethane from three Denver area landfills owned by Waste Connections Inc. The electricity generated will be sold to United Power Cooperative. LES said in a news release that the renewable energy facility will provide enough electricity for approximately 50 percent of the homes in Erie.

Novi, Mich.-based LES is owned by various funds managed by Energy Investors Funds.

The facility consists of two Caterpillar G3520 engine-generator sets consuming the biomethane from the Denver Regional North, Regional South and Front Range landfills.

“This plant creates local jobs, brings reliable, renewable energy to the local electric grid and reduces CO2 emissions equivalent to more than 5,000 cars annually,” said Richard DiGia, president and chief executive officer of LES. 

The Erie plant is the 38th plant owned or operated by LES.