Renewable Energy Distributed Generation

Puente Hills Landfill IC Engine Facility Caterpillar 3616 Engine Landfill gas fueled 8.1 MW net Power used for Districts headquarters and San Jose Creek WRP ~4 year simple payback

13130 Crossroads Parkway South City of Industry, California 91746 Background Increasing landfill gas production rates at Puente Hills Landfill provided an opportunity for additional power generation. In 2006, construction was completed on an 8 MW landfill gas-fired internal combustion engine facility at Puente Hills. In order to maximize project value, a direct power line was run from Puente Hills to the San Jose Creek Water Reclamation Plant, where power from the new facility is used to displace retail power purchases. Landfill and Water Reclamation Plant The Puente Hills Landfill services homes and businesses in over 60 cities as well as unincorporated areas within Los Angeles County, managing approximately one third of the countywide waste requiring disposal. The San Jose Creek Water Reclamation Plant treats up to 100 million gallons per day of wastewater from homes and businesses in the San Gabriel Valley. The plant uses up to 7 MW of electricity to power pumps, air compressors, and other equipment. Power Generation The power plant consists of three 2.7 MW Caterpillar 3616 engines fueled on landfill gas, with the capability to co-fire natural gas. Currently two engines are fired at a time to meet the power needs of San Jose Creek WRP and the Districts Joint Administrative Office. As landfill gas production increases, the plant will be able to export power for sale into the local electrical grid. The facility meets strict South Coast Air Quality Management District emission limits and all three engines have emissions monitors to help ensure continuous compliance. Benefits This project allows for complete utilization of the landfill gas produced at Puente Hills, while reducing purchases of retail electricity. In this size range, engines are more cost effective than other technologies. The plant is currently displacing $3-4 million per year in retail electricity purchases, and capital costs are projected to be paid off in four years.