Co-ops turn trash into sustainable treasure

More homes and businesses can be powered by methane gas collected from landfills, thanks to efforts by Kentucky electric cooperatives.

Partners for renewable energy
GLASGOW
Farmers RECC, the city of Glasgow, and East Kentucky Power Cooperative, which generates and transmits power for 16 owner-member electric cooperatives, including Farmers RECC, have partnered to launch a landfill gas-to-electric power plant.

Completed last year and using methane from the Glasgow Regional Landfill, the plant can generate up to 1 megawatt of electricity, enough to power about 550 homes in its service territory. Farmers RECC distributes the power to its members. Methane gas is produced when organic waste breaks down.

“This project is a shining example of how our organizations can work together to innovatively address our needs and benefit the entire community,” says Bill Prather, president and CEO of Farmers RECC. “We are proud to generate renewable energy for Farmers RECC members.”

In May 2016, Farmers RECC received the Silver Switch Award from the Rural Electricity Resource Council, which recognized the depth of cooperation required to complete the project, as well as the unique nature of the renewable electricity produced.

Expanding on proven power
WALTON
Winchester-based East Kentucky Power Cooperative has also expanded its landfill gas-to-electric plant at the Bavarian Landfill in Boone County. The plant, which has four generators, is getting a fifth generating unit. All of the units are fueled by methane gas collected from within the landfill.

The expanded power plant now has the capacity to produce up to 4.6 megawatts of electricity, which is enough to power approximately 2,500 typical Kentucky homes.

“EKPC’s fleet of landfill gas generators has proven to be a reliable, affordable source of electricity for the more than 1 million Kentucky residents who are served by our 16 owner-member electric cooperatives,” says Don Mosier, chief operating officer and executive vice president of EKPC.

The regional power generator has gas-to-electric operations in six landfills that together have the capacity to produce up to 14.6 megawatts of electricity