Currently, landfill gas at the Durham site is being burned. Under the agreement with Duke Energy Carolinas, Methane Power will install internal combustion engines and generators to burn the gas, produce power and deliver it to the Duke Energy Carolinas system.
The project is slated to begin producing power by May 1, 2009, and will generate enough electricity to serve approximately 1,600 residential customers. While specific financial details of the 20-year purchased power contract are not being released, the estimated cost to the average residential customer is believed to be less than $0.10 cents a year.
William Bell, Durham’s mayor, said: This is a great opportunity for the city to support our plan to help significantly reduce the city’s greenhouse gas emissions, while at the same time promoting the re-use of energy that would otherwise be wasted. I am especially proud that city administration continues to search for ways to reduce our contribution to global climate change.
