From Trash to Treasure
Cat Generator Set Converts Landfill Waste into Energy
The Cedar Rapids Linn County Solid Waste Agency became the main landfill for the city. Accepting 180,000 tons of waste annually, Linn County Solid Waste needed a solution that would allow them to control emissions.
They opted for a Cat® G3520C gas generator set, which absorbs heat, reduces exhaust temperatures, and limits the formation of NOx emissions, resulting in suitable air quality. Built for efficiency, contaminant resistance, and long service life, the genset eliminates the need for elaborate fuel-treatment systems and provides higher power density with lower installed costs.
The power produced by the generator is sold back to the grid, leading to an annual revenue of over $500,000. Cat dealer Altorfer also provides a 10-year Customer Support Agreement, including regular maintenance, oil changes, spark plugs, and overhauls.
“Having a gas system in place that diverts landfill gas to a control device which burns it off is greatly beneficial to the environment and public health because it reduces our emissions footprint,” says Garrett Prestegard, an environmental engineer for Linn County Solid Waste. “We will soon be collecting enough methane to support the installation of another Cat genset.”