Project Description
The Sakarya Landfill Gas Power Plant (GS6193) is a biogas energy project in Sakarya, Turkey, developed by Sakarya Entegre Katı Atık Yönetimi Anonim Şirketi. It involves a 9.36 MWe power plant that converts landfill gas into clean electricity while also producing organic fertilizer. The project operates on a 300,000 m² municipal landfill and contributes to Turkey’s renewable energy goals by displacing fossil fuel usage.
The problem
Unmanaged landfill sites produce significant amounts of methane (CH₄), a greenhouse gas that is 28 times more potent than CO₂ over a 100-year period. Additionally, landfills cause air pollution, health risks, and explosion hazards due to uncontrolled gas emissions. Additionally, Turkey’s heavy reliance on imported natural gas threatens long-term economic stability.
The solution
The project captures methane emissions from municipal waste and uses it to generate electricity for the Turkish grid. This reduces reliance on fossil fuels, improves air quality, and mitigates climate change. Additionally, the facility produces organic fertilizer, offering an alternative to chemical fertilizers and supporting sustainable agriculture.
Helping the planet
- GHG Emission Reductions: The project claims to avoid CO₂ and CH₄ emissions by using biogas derived from organic municipal waste. This is in contrast to a fossil-fuel-based baseline, enhancing the environmental value.
- Air Quality Improvement: By reducing methane emissions (a powerful greenhouse gas) and mitigating odour from municipal waste, the project provides clear local environmental benefits, such as improved air quality and reduced methane-related explosion risks. These benefits are credible and verifiable, adding to the project’s environmental additionality.
- Production of Organic Fertilizers: Converting waste into high-quality organic fertilizer adds another layer of environmental benefit, promoting soil enrichment and supporting organic farming practices. This outcome is a notable contribution, especially in comparison to conventional landfill disposal.
Helping the people
The projects helps people in various ways:
- Employment Generation: The project creates both temporary and permanent jobs, including unskilled labour positions. This employment generation is a positive social outcome, particularly as it includes health and safety training for employees. Such training is crucial in the waste and energy sectors and improves job quality, which adds to the project’s social value.
- Community Education and Awareness: Establishing an education centre and conducting awareness programs for the local population strengthens the social dimension of additionality by promoting environmental consciousness among residents and students. This outreach and education further enhance the perceived social benefits of the project.
- Local Economic Benefits: By generating employment and providing social security, the project contributes to the economic well-being of the local community. These benefits are valuable, particularly in areas where job opportunities are limited.
- Foreign Currency Savings: The project’s contribution to reducing natural gas imports supports Turkey’s balance of payments, enhancing its economic sustainability. By leveraging renewable energy, the project lowers dependency on fossil fuels, which has substantial economic benefits on a national scale.
Project Timeline
Impact
Map
Sakarya, Turkey
200,000 Sq. mtr
77,595 tCO2e
Gold Standard Certified (GS 6193)
