Ameren Missouri plans to install combustion turbines capable of generating about 15 megawatts (MW) of electricity by burning methane gas at a local solid waste landfill in Missouri. Expected to be operational in 2011, the “Methane to Megawatts” project will be the largest landfill gas-electric plant in Missouri and among the largest landfill generation plants in the country in terms of generating capacity, producing enough electricity to meet the demands of about 10,000 homes.

Landfills are the largest source of methane, which is a powerful greenhouse gas, more than 21 times more potent than carbon dioxide emissions.  Under the terms of the agreement, Ameren Missouri will purchase the methane and other gases that are the natural byproducts of the decomposition of waste in the landfill. 

Ameren Missouri said that this important renewable energy initiative will offer meaningful benefits to its customers, the local community and the State of Missouri. Methane to Megawatts is consistent with the company's commitment to generate cleaner, reliable energy while meeting our customers’ expectations for renewable power at a reasonable cost.

The methane will be delivered to the turbines through a blower plant that delivers 6,000 cubic feet of landfill gas per minute, 24 hours a day. The gas is collected through 120 landfill wells, which are plumbed and connected with two miles of high-density plastic pipe.

The next step in the process is for Ameren Missouri to conduct engineering studies to determine the best location on the landfill’s property to place the turbines. Construction of the turbines is expected to begin in 2010, and the turbines are expected to begin generating power sometime in 2011.

For more information, please visit www.ameren.com.