GE powers South Africa’s first landfill gas projects

South Africa’s first landfill methane gas-to-energy facilities are set to be commissioned at two sites near Durban on the country’s east coast, marking a milestone in the nation’s renewable energy journey

Powered by GE Energy’s Jenbacher generator sets, the projects are scheduled to come online in early 2007 within the eThekwini municipal region.

Located at the La Mercy and Mariannhill landfill sites, the plants will act as flagship renewable energy projects, supplying electricity directly into the municipal grid. In addition to power generation, revenue generated from the sale of carbon credits, a critical factor in ensuring the projects’ financial viability, will be partially allocated toward local community development initiatives.

GE supplied two containerised generator sets to project contractor Envitech Solutions (Pty) Ltd, based in Benoni, South Africa. Envitech was responsible for installing both the Jenbacher units and the associated gas extraction systems on behalf of Durban Solid Waste, the municipal entity that manages waste disposal for the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality and owns both landfill sites.

At the La Mercy landfill, a Jenbacher JGC 312 GS-L.L. generator set was installed, while the Mariannhill site was equipped with a JGC 320 GS-L.L. unit. The JGC 320 delivers an electrical output of 1,064 kW, while the JGC 312 produces 526 kW. Electrical efficiencies for the units are 40.8% and 39.1%, respectively.

By capturing and converting landfill methane into usable energy, the projects significantly reduce the volume of gas released into the atmosphere. Methane has a global warming potential 21 times greater than carbon dioxide. Beyond greenhouse gas reduction, the initiative is also expected to deliver environmental benefits through improved air quality and reduced risks to groundwater.

"GE Energy is honored to provide the gas engine equipment for South Africa's inaugural landfill energy projects and to support the country's strong commitment to expanding the production and use of renewable energy," said Prady Iyyanki, CEO of GE Energy's Jenbacher gas engine business.

In 2006, GE confirmed that its Jenbacher landfill gas technology, alongside its biogas and coal mine gas solutions, had been certified under the company’s ecomagination programme. The initiative reflects GE’s focus on developing cleaner and more efficient energy solutions, lowering emissions and supporting access to sustainable water resources.

Looking ahead, GE maintains a strong presence in South Africa through Agaricus Trading cc, its regional sales and service partner for Jenbacher gas engine equipment.

GE Energy’s Jenbacher gas engine business is a global leader in gas-fuelled reciprocating engines, packaged generator sets and cogeneration systems for power generation. These engines operate on natural gas as well as a wide range of waste-derived gases, including landfill gas.