LFG Utilization in Hong Kong (Case study of the Shuen Wan and Urban Landfills)

This paper provides a case study of landfill gas (LFG) utilization fer direct use as process fuel, and for electrical power generation at restored landfills in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China (HKSAR). The paper specifically covers the LFG utilization schemes, which are required under landfill restoration contracts at the Shuen Wan and Urban Landfills. These contracts provide for the restoration and aftercare of six landfills, and are administered by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) of the Hong Kong Government. The LFG utilization scheme at the Shuen Wan Landfill incorporates the direct use of LFG by compressing and dehumidifying the LFG prior to conveyance through a 1.6-kilometer (1-mile) pipeline. The pipeline provides an alternate fuel source to naphtha during process heating for gas production at the Tai Po Gas Production Plant of the Hong Kong and China Gas Limited (HKCC). The LFG utilization scheme at the Jordan Valley Landfill (one of the Urban Landfills) beneficially uses the LFG as fuel for electrical power generation with reciprocating internal combustion engines. The LFG is compressed, cooled, and filtered prior to delivery to two engine/generator sets. This system provides power to operate the leachate pre-treatment plant, which processes leachate from all of the Urban Landfill sites. The case study will examine the technical and non-technical considerations, including harriers, for developing, designing and implementing the LFG utilization projects in Hong Kong. Specific regulatory considerations and external governmental agency approvals are discussed, including the requirement to register as a gas-producing utility. While the paper focuses on LFG utilization applications in Hong Kong, many of the considerations discussed are also applicable to development of LFG utilization in other regions of Asia.