4.1. SR 09-21-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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SEP-04-98 FRI 16:03 FR× NO. 0 P. O1 Minnesota Environmental Initiative 2420 Rand Tower 527 Marquette Avenue South Mh~neapolis MN 55402-1324 Phone: 612/3~-3388 Fax: 612/334-3093 www.mn-ei.org r'ut~ ~MMEDIATE RELEASE - FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 04, 1998 City, Utility, Private Enterprises and Nonprofit Unite to Turn Landfill Gas Into Energy September 10 groundbreaking at Elk River landfill begins installation of newest Energy City demonstration MINNEAPOLIS- A unique public-private coalition has come together to facilitate the installation of equipment that converts landfill gas into electricity at the Elk River Landfill. The latest Energy City energy- efficiency/renewable-energy demonstration will use methane gas produced by the natural decomposition of solid waste in the Elk River Landfill as fuel for an on-site electricity-generation system. Virtually all landfills produce methane gas; most often it is collected and burned by a flare. "By using the g~ to generate power, this system will make use of an otherwise wasted resource," says Bryan Adams, general manager of Elk River Municipal Utilities. He notes that the new technology at the EJk River Landfill will provide power for approximately 250 homes in the area. Groundbreaking for the installation of the gas-fueled engine and generator- both of which come from Houston, Texas-based Power Strategies LLC - will take place Thursday, Seplember 10, 1998, at 10 am. The landfill is located at 22460 Highway 169 North (,lust north of the city of Elk River). All parties involved have contributed to the success of this project: Anoka Electric Cooperative and United Power Association have the exclusive contract to supply Elk River Municipal Utilities with electricity; they had to grant an exemption for ERMU to purchase power from the landfill gas-recovery project. Waste Management, which owns and maintains the landfill, had to work with ERMU and Power Strategies to facilitate tl~e installation of the generating equipment. The project is being funded through grants from various government agencies, including the city of Elk River, and a long-term power purchase agreement between ERMU and Power Strategies. · 'Everybody involved has gone beyond the call of duty to make this project happen," says ERMU's Adams. "It's exciting to see all the planning and logistics that went into this project come to fruition." The power- generation system is expected to be operational in the first half of October. Energy City will host a grand opening at the facility when the system is tuned and up and running. Energy City is a partnership between the city of Elk River and Energy Altey, which promotes the growing 'and vibrant energy-efficiency and renewable-energy industry in Minnesota. The Energy City project has concent~-ated demonstrations of efficient mid renewable technologies and services for residential, industrial, commercial and agricultural buildings in and around Elk River. According to Sarah Coppoek, program coordinator for Energy Alley, "This is a perfect example of what the Energy City project was developed to do. The gas-recovery system will add wonderfully to the range of demonstrations Energy City offers." Energy Alley is a program of the Minnesota Environmental Initiative, a 501(3)(c) nonprofit organization that works with business, government and advocacy organizations to promote environmental excellence in policy, industrial management, land use and energy generation and use. Contact: Michael Welch, MEI communications, 612/334-3388