Overview
Metro Methane Recovery Facility is an operational biomass power plant in the United States, owned by WM Renewable Energy LLC. It generates 11.2 MW of electricity using waste as fuel.
Metro Methane Recovery Facility is a biomass power plant located in the United States, with coordinates 41.5989, -93.3550. The facility is owned by WM Renewable Energy LLC and is currently operational, generating 11.2 MW of electricity. As a biomass plant, it converts waste into energy, contributing to the renewable energy portfolio of the region. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act (CAA) and its associated programs such as the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and the Acid Rain Program. Biomass power plants of this scale typically use combustion or gasification technologies to process waste materials, and they must comply with emission standards for pollutants like SOx, NOx, and particulate matter. This facility plays a role in waste management and renewable energy generation, helping to reduce landfill methane emissions while providing electricity to the grid. Its capacity of 11.2 MW places it in the small-to-medium scale range for biomass power plants, serving local energy needs and supporting environmental sustainability goals.
Environmental context
The facility's use of waste as fuel reduces methane emissions from landfills and displaces fossil fuel-based electricity. However, biomass combustion can release CO2, SOx, NOx, and particulate matter, requiring compliance with EPA emission standards. Its location in the United States subjects it to federal and state air quality regulations, including the Clean Air Act and regional haze rules. Proximity to populated areas may influence local air quality impacts.
Frequently asked questions
Metro Methane Recovery Facility is located in the United States at coordinates 41.5989, -93.3550, likely in the state of Iowa.
It is a biomass power plant that generates electricity by converting waste into energy, with a capacity of 11.2 MW.
The facility is owned by WM Renewable Energy LLC, a subsidiary of Waste Management Inc., specializing in renewable energy from waste.
Biomass power plants in the US must comply with the Clean Air Act, including NAAQS, Acid Rain Program, and CSAPR, which regulate emissions of SO2, NOx, and particulate matter.
By capturing methane from waste and converting it into electricity, the facility reduces greenhouse gas emissions and provides a renewable energy source to the grid.