Running on Trash Power

Kansas City Power & Light (KCP&L) has reached an agreement with the city of St. Joseph, Mo., for a landfill gas-to-energy (LFGTE) project at the city's landfill. The methane from the landfill will be used by the utility to generate enough electricity to power about 1,000 homes, according to a report in The Kansas City Star.

The St. Joseph City Council approved the agreement in early March, but some details need to be finalized before a final contract is signed. The LFGTE project will include the installation of 49 new methane-collection wells.

According to the Kansas City Star report, the project is slated to come on-line early next year.

St. Joseph will operate the landfill gas collection system, and KCP&L will underwrite the costs of the on-site landfill gas processing plant, according to a press release issued by KCP&L's holding company.

“Greenhouse gases are a worldwide concern … The city is pleased to be working with our local energy provider to develop this project and put clean energy back into the local electric grid,” said J. Bruce Woody, director of public works for St. Joseph, in a press release. “This project will expand the current collection system of twelve wells, and is yet another way that this regional landfill is protecting the environment through its many environmental protection programs.”

“We salute the city of St. Joseph for its forward-thinking decision to turn a landfill into a green asset, and we look forward to working with them on this project,” added Matt Dority, KCP&L's North District manager, in the press release. “We're delighted to have this opportunity to offer additional renewable electricity generation to our customers in the region.”

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