India Moves from Landfill Gas to Clean Energy
AEN News
Washington - As the third largest methane-emitting country in the
world, India is working to develop clean energy sources that can
yield substantial economic, environmental and health benefits
for its citizens. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and
the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry are
partnering with stakeholders from India's solid waste industry,
finance community, and national government to capture and reuse
landfill methane gas under EPA's Methane to Markets Partnership.
"President Bush and EPA are delivering global environmental results
through innovative international collaborations," said EPA
Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "We are excited to work
with India and share our experiences in turning landfill
trash into environmental and economic treasures."
Methane emissions from the solid waste sector in India are
projected to increase significantly over the next 15 years.
Reusing landfill methane gas for energy purposes has the
potential to mitigate 5.5 million metric tons of carbon
dioxide equivalent, which is equal to the annual emissions
from one million vehicles. Currently, there are no operational
landfill gas-to-energy projects in India but several large
sites in Delhi, Mumbai and other cities could support the
clean energy projects.
EPA will collaborate with India to advance project development
through technical assistance, technology transfer opportunities,
pre-feasibility studies, and demonstration projects.
The program will help promote clean energy, energy security,
improved public health, and economic opportunities.
Methane to Markets promotes cost-effective, near-term recovery
and use of methane, a greenhouse gas, as a valuable clean energy
source. Four major sources of methane are targeted: landfills,
underground coal mines, natural gas and oil systems and agriculture. The partnership is a collaboration between a growing number of developed countries, developing countries, and countries with economies in transition. The partners work with the private sector, development banks, researchers, and other organizations to develop clean energy projects.
In addition to India, countries participating in Methane to
Markets include Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China,
Colombia, Ecuador, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia,
South Korea, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Methane to Markets projects support the Asia-Pacific Partnership
on Clean Development and Climate, of which the United States
and India are members.
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