At a glance
This project is designed to explore the energy potential of landfill gas produced in Aterro Sanitsário. The project is located in the metropolitan region of São Paulo, Brazil’s biggest city. The São João Landfill Gas-to-Energy project aims to maximize the prevention of the release of greenhouse gas emissions, whilst generating electricity. The energy generator generates around 20 MWh/h energy daily. Furthermore, this project generates work opportunities during the construction, operation and maintenance phase.
CO₂ benefits
This project aims to maximize the prevention of the release of greenhouse gas emissions, whilst generating electricity. An estimated amount of reduced GHG emissions is around 816,940 metric tons of CO2 annually. The methane gas extracted from the landfill site is combusted to generate electricity, which is then transmitted to the Brazilian grid. Furthermore, because methane is the main component of natural gas, it can be used to generate energy with a much lower impact on the climate. The project has conducted all the necessary studies required by the environmental agency and has therefore been issued a working license.
Biodiversity benefits
Used landfill gas generates renewable energy which is an inexhaustible source of energy, and prevents the release of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. As is known, GHG emissions contribute to climate change, which poses a range of threats to biodiversity and ecosystem services. Not mitigating emission production can cause an increased risk of species extinctions, air and water pollution, and affects vital ecosystem services. This specific project involves preventing the release of greenhouse gas emissions, which helps to fight against global warming and plays an important role in conserving biodiversity in the long run.
Socio-economic benefits
This project generates work opportunities during the construction, operation and maintenance phase. Furthermore, it provides educational opportunities through the ''Ver de Perto" program. It also promotes a model for Landfill gas-to-energy projects in Brazil that can be replicated. The gas-to-energy project provides emission reduction revenues to be shared amongst the municipalities of São Paulo, thereby providing opportunities to increase the local income and create available cash flow for other waste management investments, such as the closing of non-approved dumping sites and improved awareness of correct waste management.
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Location of the project
Project verification
Clean Development Mechanism - Certified Emission Reduction
This project is CDM CER verified. The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is operational since 2006 and is part of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The CDM offers the public and private sector in high-income nations the opportunity to purchase carbon credits from offset projects in low or middle-income nations, stimulating sustainable development, local economies, and emission reduction.
