Converting landfill emissions benefits environment

For more than 15 years, Bio-Thermal-Energy, Inc. of Cedar Rapids (B-T-E) has developed and patented a technology which uses “Landfill Gas” as the feedstock to produce ethanol. Landfill Gas (LFG) is considered a greenhouse gas, so to produce ethanol with it benefits the environment by reducing these harmful gases, reduces the negative environmental impacts of landfills, and provides economic benefits to Iowa communities. In addition, the LFG-to-ethanol process generates an excess megawatt of utility power for net export to the grid.

This new technology is a game-changer for Iowa communities and Iowa farmers since it is “another source of feedstock” to produce ethanol in Iowa. Preliminary economics indicate that the process is very profitable for an LFG rate of about 1200 standard cubic feet per minute (SCFM) which is predominantly 50 percent carbon dioxide and 50 percent methane.

B-T-E’s technology will benefit Iowa. 48 landfill operations in Iowa can be improved environmentally. Even after closing the landfill, additional annual net revenues would be generated by the LFG-to-ethanol process plant operations because LFG is typically produced for at least another 20 years after a landfill is closed.

Gary Young

President, Bio-Thermal-Energy

Cedar Rapids