PPL, Interstate Waste Services, Adams Electric Partner On Landfill Gas Project

The Cumberland County Landfill in Shippensburg, Pa., will no longer flare off the methane gas produced there. Instead, through a renewable energy project PPL Renewable Energy and Interstate Waste Services, the methane will be used to generate enough electricity to power 4,800 homes.

“Interstate Waste Services continues to lead by example on being committed to green, renewable energy projects such as the Cumberland County Landfill renewable energy project,” said Anthony Farina, chief executive officer of Interstate Waste Services. “Turning a waste product, such as methane gas, into a beneficial resource is not only an economic opportunity, but it is also environmentally the right thing to do.”

The landfill provides methane to power four new electricity generators at the 684-acre facility. The 6.4-megawatt landfill gas-to-energy plant will reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by an equivalent 79 million pounds of carbon dioxide by avoiding the use of fossil fuels.

“Whether at traditional power plants or through the development of alternative sources of energy, PPL is dedicated to providing energy in an environmentally responsible manner,” said Mike Kroboth, president for PPL Renewable Energy. “By reducing greenhouse gas emissions, this facility has environmental benefits that are equal to removing 6,600 cars from the road or eliminating the need for 4 million gallons of gasoline each year.”

PPL Renewable Energy develops, owns, operates and maintains renewable and clean energy projects in the northeastern United States, with a portfolio of projects that totals more than 40 megawatts of electricity generation – enough to power 20,000 homes. These include solar panel installations or landfill gas-to-energy projects in Pennsylvania, Vermont and New Jersey.

Adams Electric Cooperative participated in this project by designing and assisting in the construction of over six miles of electric line to transmit the renewable energy to the local utility grid. Members of Adams Electric Cooperative also provided easements for the new power line. Adams serves nearly 9,000 consumers in the Shippensburg area.

“This project fits well with our efforts to remain environmentally friendly,” said Steve Rasmussen, chief executive officer and general manager of Adams Electric Cooperative. “We put the nation’s first plug-in hybrid bucket truck into service last year and continue a decades-long effort of actively controlling electric loads, which reduces the demand for electricity when the cost is highest.”