Montgomery County Oaks LFGE Plant: Landfill Gas Power Generation in Maryland

Montgomery County Oaks LFGE Plant is a biomass power plant located in Montgomery County, Maryland, United States. With a capacity of 2.4 MW, it operates as a landfill gas-to-energy facility, converting waste-derived methane into electricity. The plant is owned by CB&I and is currently operational, contributing to the region's renewable energy portfolio. The facility utilizes landfill gas as its primary fuel, a common practice in the biomass sector that helps reduce methane emissions from waste sites. In the United States, such plants are regulated under the Clean Air Act (CAA), including New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for landfill gas emissions. The plant's relatively small scale is typical for landfill gas projects, which often range from 1 to 10 MW. Environmentally, the Montgomery County Oaks LFGE Plant provides dual benefits: generating electricity from a renewable source while mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from landfill gas. By capturing methane that would otherwise escape into the atmosphere, the facility supports local air quality goals and aligns with state-level renewable energy standards in Maryland.

The plant's use of landfill gas as fuel reduces methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas, while generating electricity. Located in a suburban area, it helps manage waste from the local community. The facility's small capacity minimizes its overall environmental footprint, but its operation is subject to US EPA regulations under the Clean Air Act to control air pollutants.