Projection of Electricity Potential through Exploitation of Methane Gas from Landfilled MSW of Lesotho

摘要

The prognosis of electricity potential using Landfill Gas Emission Model (LandGEM) and Intergovernmental Panel on climate Change (IPCC) method with emphasis on methane gas in Lesotho is exemplified in this paper. The study is based on landfill Gas to Energy (LFGTE) technology based on anticipated waste from 2020 to 2045. Four districts were selected with their waste assumed to be disposed at one landfill site. Determination of electricity from landfilled MSW is analyzed by mathematical model from annual landfill methane emissions. In 2045, the highest theoretical methane emissions and energy potential for LandGEM is $56.98mathrm{E}+06 mathrm{m}^{3}/ext{year}$ and 133.1 MWh/year respectively while for IPCC is $134.96mathrm{E}+06 mathrm{m}^{3}/ext{year}$ and 315 MWh/year. In conclusion, LFGTE technology has the capability of contributing to the energy mix of Lesotho thereby supplementing the existing electricity generation, thus improving local supply. Furthermore, the resultant projection outlook and technology can be applied in developing countries with similar terrain.