As the fifth-largest methane emitter globally, Brazil faces significant challenges in reducing its emissions, with agriculture—particularly livestock—accounting for 75% of the country's methane output. The Brazilian government has committed to reducing methane emissions by 30% by 2030, but achieving this goal will require substantial changes in agricultural practices, waste management, and energy production, as well as addressing emissions from the country's extensive wetlands and the increasing threat of methane release due to deforestation in the Amazon.
Overview
Brazil ranks as the fifth-largest waste producer globally. 2015 the nation generated approximately 79.9 million tonnes of municipal solid waste, equating to roughly 1.071 kg of refuse per individual daily.
The bulk of this rubbish is deposited in landfills, where it undergoes decomposition and emits methane gas. Methane is a particularly potent greenhouse gas, with a warming effect approximately 34 times greater than carbon dioxide. When released into the atmosphere, it contributes significantly to global warming.
Organic waste decomposition in landfills produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Instead of being released into the atmosphere, this methane can be harnessed and converted into electrical energy.
Methane exerts a greenhouse effect 34 times more potent than carbon dioxide over a 100-year period. Landfills rank among the primary sources of methane emissions, accounting for 12% of global output. Rather than allowing this methane to escape into the air or be wasted, it can be extracted, contained, and utilised as a relatively clean energy source for generating heat or electricity.
Innovative methane capture facility at Brazilian landfill site transforms waste gas into clean energy, featuring state-of-the-art processing equipment against a backdrop of rolling hills. Photo credit to Ecologi.
The methane project
The Macaúbas Landfill Gas Project is a Brazilian initiative focused on the collection, utilisation, and flaring of landfill gas. Its primary aim is to prevent the release of methane gas into the atmosphere from the landfill site known as “Central de Tratamento de Resíduos Macaúbas,” situated in the municipality of Sabará, within the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The project involves the installation of advanced systems for active landfill gas extraction, flaring, and electricity generation.
This project not only prevents the harmful release of methane into the atmosphere but also contributes to exporting electricity to the grid. Furthermore, it supports job creation and income generation by employing skilled operators to manage and maintain the equipment.
Implementation
Initially, the landfill gas was collected using a passive system without systematic monitoring or flaring. As a result, additional investment was required to improve the efficiency of gas collection and to install suitable infrastructure for flaring the methane produced at the site and generating electricity. During the current monitoring phase, the project has achieved total emission reductions amounting to 102,580 tCO₂e.
This approach offers a dual climate advantage: it prevents landfill emissions whilst simultaneously reducing reliance on fossil fuels such as coal, oil, or natural gas that might otherwise be employed for energy production.
Methane capture and flaring facility at a Brazilian landfill site featuring dual processing units with vertical flare stacks, designed to prevent greenhouse gas emissions from entering the atmosphere. Photo credits to Ecologi.
Key objectives
Environmental
To prevent methane gas emissions from entering the atmosphere by capturing and flaring landfill gas. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, and its reduction significantly mitigates climate change impacts.
Energy Generation
To utilise the captured landfill gas for electricity generation. The project produces renewable energy, with part of the electricity used for self-consumption and the remainder exported to the grid, contributing to energy sustainability.
Social and Economic
To create jobs and generate income for local communities by employing skilled operators to maintain and operate the machinery. The project also supports local development through tax contributions and educational initiatives related to sanitation, climate change, and renewable energy.
Project impact
Environmental impact
The Macaúbas Landfill Gas Project significantly reduces methane emissions from landfills, a crucial step in mitigating climate change. Methane, being approximately 34 times more potent as a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide, poses a substantial threat when released into the atmosphere. The project has achieved impressive emission reductions by capturing and utilising this landfill gas, totalling 102,580 tCO₂e in the current monitoring phase. This initiative not only prevents the release of environmentally damaging methane but also contributes to the overall reduction of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, thereby playing a vital role in combating global warming.
Social impact
The project yields notable social benefits for the local community. It creates valuable employment opportunities, particularly for skilled operators who are essential for maintaining and operating the specialised machinery involved in landfill gas capture and utilisation. These jobs contribute to local skill development and economic stability. Furthermore, by reducing methane emissions, the project indirectly promotes better health outcomes for the surrounding population, as decreased air pollution can lead to improved respiratory health. Additionally, the project supports access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy by generating electricity from the captured methane, potentially enhancing energy security and accessibility for local residents.
Economic impact
The economic implications of the Macaúbas Landfill Gas Project are multifaceted and far-reaching. It generates income opportunities for the skilled operators directly involved in the project and other workers engaged in its implementation and maintenance. The project's contribution to the local energy economy is significant, as it produces electricity from captured methane, potentially reducing reliance on other, possibly more expensive or less sustainable energy sources. Moreover, by aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to affordable and clean energy and climate action, the project positions the region for broader economic benefits. It demonstrates how addressing environmental challenges can create positive economic outcomes, fostering sustainable development and potentially attracting further investment in green technologies.
Industrial methane capture system featuring stainless steel piping and blue compressor units at a Brazilian landfill facility, showcasing sustainable waste management infrastructure for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Photo credits to Ecologi.
UN Sustainable development goals
The project aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:
3 - Good Health and Well-being: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
7 – Renewable Energy: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy.
13 - Climate Action: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
Read more about the UN sustainability development goals.
Verification and Location
This project is verified by the Verified Carbon Standard. You can view it on the Verra registry.
Location: Sabará, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Photo credits: Ecologi
FAQ’s
How can individuals or organisations contribute financially to the Macaúbas Landfill Gas Project in Brazil?
Individuals or organisations can contribute financially to the Macaúbas Landfill Gas Project through carbon offset programmes like those offered by certified platforms.
What is being done to mitigate climate risks from landfill emissions in Brazil?
The project mitigates climate risks by implementing advanced landfill gas extraction, flaring, and electricity generation systems to capture and utilise methane emissions.
How does Brazil's waste management situation affect its vulnerability to climate change and impact emission reduction efforts?
Brazil's position as the fifth-largest waste producer, with most waste ending up in landfills, makes it highly vulnerable to methane emissions, significantly impacting climate change mitigation efforts.
How does the project ensure the long-term sustainability of its methane capture and energy generation efforts?
Long-term sustainability is ensured through advanced infrastructure, skilled operator training, efficient landfill gas management practices, and renewable energy generation.
What educational programmes does the Macaúbas Landfill Gas Project run to raise awareness about waste management and renewable energy?
The project conducts educational initiatives such as lectures and courses on basic sanitation, climate change, and renewable energy to raise awareness in the community.
How does the project select its partners to ensure they adhere to sustainable practices in landfill gas management?
Partner selection likely adheres to international standards, as the project is verified by the Verified Carbon Standard and registered under the UNFCCC.