Short summary/preview of project:
As part of its recovery, Ukraine aims to increase energy access and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Landfill gas offers a promising solution, but utilisation of landfill gasses in Ukraine is currently low and existing technologies do not offer the most efficient and sustainable solution. Methane gas has a global warming potential many times higher than CO2 and although the gas can be flared to reduce the impact, utilising this energy to support Ukraine’s energy system offers the best solution.
The CHEPro project enhances the efficiency of landfill power stations through integrated CO2, heat, and electricity production, aligning with Ukraine’s waste management and energy recovery goals. Its innovative approach uses water-amine gas sweetening technology to improve methane concentration
and generator efficiency, reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels. This creates a compelling case for productive landfill gas use across Ukraine’s significant network of underutilised landfill disposal sites.
The solution: Advanced landfill gas management for sustainable energy production
The CHEPro project offers innovative, efficient, and scalable solutions to increase electricity generation, heat capture, and CO2 extraction from landfill biogas, enhancing energy resilience and reducing environmental impact. This includes:
- Modified water-amine gas sweetening technology:
- Separates CH4 and CO2 from landfill biogas, increasing methane concentration by 14% and generator efficiency by 10%.
- Uses a proprietary amine solution that reduces heat consumption by 1.5-2 times, minimising energy requirements.
- Heat exchanger integration:
- Captures 300 kW of heat from installed electrical generators, utilising it for CO2 extraction and greenhouse applications.
- Enhances overall system efficiency and reduces waste heat.
- CO2 utilisation:
- Extracts 760 tonnes of CO2 annually for use in greenhouses, reducing emissions and supporting local agriculture.
- Contributes to a circular economy by converting waste into valuable resources.
Potential impact
The impact potential of this project is significant, with CHEPro playing a crucial role in Ukraine’s energy recovery and environmental sustainability:
- Environmental benefits:
- Reduces CO2 emissions by up to 150,000 tonnes per year, decreasing Ukraine’s reliance on polluting fossil fuels.
- Improves local air quality by capturing methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
- Economic benefits:
- Increases power plant revenue by enhancing electricity and heat production, supporting local businesses and industries.
- Creates jobs in energy production and waste management, contributing to economic growth.
- Social impacts:
- Enhances energy access for households and businesses.
- Supports sustainable agriculture through CO2 supply for greenhouses, improving food security and quality.
Project targets
- Achieve an additional 30 kW of electricity through improved generator efficiency compared to current available technologies.
- Extract 300 kW of heat from electrical generators for CO2 extraction and greenhouse use.
- Collect 760 tonnes of CO2 annually for industrial applications.
- Target a 300% return on investment (ROI) for the first commercial solution by year five.
The project team
A UK-Ukraine consortium merges research excellence with industrial execution:
- Tiwakiki Consulting Ltd, UK
- The Gas Institute of the National Academy of Science Ukraine
- International Centre of Gas Technologies (ICGT), Ukraine
