Doyon Utilities opens new first landfill-gas-to-energy project in Alaska

Doyon Utilities, LLC has opened a new first landfill-gas-to-energy (LFGTE) project in Alaska, which is powered by GE’s ecomagination-qualified Jenbacher gas engines.

Located on the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, a joint US Army and Air Force base, the project will provide approximately half of JBER-Richardson’s 13MW of peak demand power.

According to Doyon Utilities CEO Dan Gavora said that beginning in 2013, federal agencies will be required to use renewable energy sources to provide at least 7.5% of total electric consumption.

Doyon will own and operate the facility and will buy the gas produced for at least the next 20 years, with an option for an extension to 40 years, under the agreement with the municipality.

According to military officials, the power produced will offset what the military would have to buy from the municipality, which will add up to more than $30 million in savings over the life of the project1.

The Anchorage Regional Landfill, which opened in 1987, has the capacity to hold 40 million cubic yards of waste. Currently one-third full, the landfill will likely reach capacity around 2045.

Western Energy Systems (WES), GE’s authorized distributor for Jenbacher gas engines in Alaska, provided the four Jenbacher J420 engine-generator sets and integrated these with balance of plant equipment required for the installation.

WES provided project management services for all equipment provided, performed commissioning services, and has opened a product support facility in Anchorage with technicians and parts inventory committed to support this project.