Project design document form for CDM project activities
(Version 08.0)
Complete this form in accordance with the Attachment “Instructions for filling out the project design document form for CDM project activities” at the end of this form.
PROJECT DESIGN DOCUMENT (PDD)
Title of the project activity Landfill Gas Capture and Utilization at Ras-Al-Khaimah Version number of the PDD Version #01
Completion date of the PDD 17/10/2016
Project participant(s) Green Energy Solutions and Sustainability LLC
Public Works and Services Department, Govt. of Ras-Al-Khaimah
Host Party United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Applied methodology(ies) and, where applicable, applied standardized baseline(s)
Applied Methodology: ACM0001: Flaring or use of landfill gas --- Version 17.0
Applied Standardized Baseline- Not Applicable Sectoral scope(s) linked to the
applied methodology(ies) Sectoral Scope Linked to the applied methodology- 13, Waste handling and disposal Estimated amount of annual average
SECTION A. Description of project activity
A.1. Purpose and general description of project activity >>
About the Project Proponent:
The project activity is being implemented at the Al- Jazeera landfill site at Ras-Al-Khaimah by Green Energy Solutions and Sustainability LLC (hereafter referred as GESS). The project participant is a renowned player in the field of waste to energy project and also has an operational Landfill gas recovery project at Al-Qusais Landfill site, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UNFCCC Ref # 8269)1.
Existing Scenario:
There had been a UNFCCC registered landfill gas collection project under Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), Ref # 2496 Biogas Technology Group Ras Al-Khaimah Landfill Gas to Energy Project2 at the Al-Jazeera landfill site. The registered project activity envisaged GHG emission reductions in two phases. Firstly flaring of landfill gas generated from the Al-Jazeera landfill site, and Secondly to generate power amounting to 2 MW (once generation of LFG is proven to be steady, both in terms of volume and Quality). Although it may be noted that the 2nd phase of the project activity (electricity generation from the landfill gas generated) was never implemented The aforesaid project equipment has been lying in idle operation since 2012.The contract between Public Works and Services Department (PWSD), Govt. of Ras-Al-Khaimah, United Arab Emirates and Biogas Technology Limited, United Kingdom has been terminated with effect from 14/03/20143. All the project equipment has been handed over to PWSD by Biogas Technology Limited and the site is idle since 2012.
Purpose of the Project Activity
Green Energy Solutions & Sustainability LLC is in the process of re-designing and installing a landfill gas capture project at the Al –Jazeera site. This project would include the new area including the old are of the existing landfill site. The landfill gas generated from the landfill site would be fired in a 100% gas engine to generate around 4 MW of power. It has also been envisaged that the generated power would be evacuated to the FEWA Grid or to any captive consumer in the near vicinity thus replacing fossil fuel based Power. It may be also noted that, the new areas in the landfill will also be covered with a landfill gas capture system along with the re-engineered old site and the gas collected together with the older area will be utilised for power generation.
General Description of Project Activity:
The proposed project activity envisages capture of landfill gas from existing landfill and generation of power (4MW) from landfill gas.The generated power from the landfill would be either evacuated to the FEWA grid or supplied to any captive power consumer after meeting the onsite power demand for the blower systems. The project activity therefore leads to greenhouse gas emission reductions in two different manners. First, by capturing and flaring LFG (project scenario), the Project avoids the uncontrolled release of methane generated from the landfill into the atmosphere. Second, by producing electricity from LFG the Project will lead to emission reductions attributable to a displacement of electricity, which would have been from more carbon intensive fuel (eg.. Natural gas). The technology of the project is being supplied by Hofstetter Gastechnik AG, Switzerland(a pioneer in degassing technology) and GE (for the Gas Engine).
1cdm.unfccc.int/Projects/DB/SGS-UKL1353081555.78/view
2https://cdm.unfccc.int/Projects/DB/TUEV-SUED1239706655.92/view 3Mail Communication between PWSD and Biogas Technology Limited.
The estimated annual average emission reductions for the chosen crediting period (2017-2023)would be 85,619 tCO2eand GHG emission reductions for the chosen crediting period is
5,99,330 tCO2e
Contribution of project activity to the Sustainable Development
The project activity is contributing to the Host Country’s sustainable development, as it will have several positive social and environmental impacts:
The installed landfill gas collection and flaring system will prevent potentially explosive situations associated with the subsurface gas migration, as it represents an effective control system which minimises migration off-site.
Many constituents of landfill gas are hazardous and pose potentially significant risks to human health. The objective of LFG flaring is to safely dispose of the perilous constituents, particularly methane, and to control and reduce odour nuisance and health risks.
The Project guarantees sustainability in the environmental sector by minimising damage to or deterioration of the environment and by reducing global methane emissions. The Project therefore contributes to the effort of tackling global warming, by reducing this harmful greenhouse gas.
If the Project does generate electricity, it will act as a clean technology demonstration project, by optimising the use of natural resources, and encouraging less dependence on grid-supplied electricity. It promotes and diversifies sustainable energy systems.
The Project represents an investment in environmental funds, and increases employment opportunities in the area. It will provide local short- and long-term employment opportunities. Local contractors and labourers will be required for construction, and long-term staff will be needed to operate and maintain the system
The proposed CDM project activity is not a CPA that has been excluded from a registered CDM PoA (Programme of Activities) as a result of erroneous inclusion of CPA’s
A.2. Location of project activity A.2.1. Host Party
>>
Host Country: United Arab Emirates (UAE)
A.2.2. Region/State/Province etc. >>
Emirate: Ras-Al-Khaimah
A.2.3. City/Town/Community etc. >>
City: Ras-Al-Khaimah
A.2.4. Physical/Geographical location >>
The landfill is 24.5 km southwest of the entrance of Ras Al-Khaimah Creek, and 4.7 km inland. The access road is called “Al Itihad Road” and the area surrounding the landfill is known as “Al Jazeera Al Hamra”. The geographical coordinates of the landfill are 25038' 20.37''North and 55047'27.44'' East. The picture below shows a map of the Project location (Aerial view of the Ras Al-Khaimah landfill)
A.3. Technologies and/or measures >>
The purpose of the project activity is to replace the existing passive venting system (where the landfill gas is released into the atmosphere without any collection, recovery or combustion) with a landfill gas recovery system in order to collect and destroy the landfill gas generated at the Al Jazeera landfill site Ras-Al-Khaimah and generate electrical energy (amounting to around 4MW) from the landfill gas.
The captured landfill gas will be completely flared using closed type flares. The purpose of landfill gas flaring is to safely dispose of the flammable constituents (particularly methane) and to control odour nuisance, health risks and adverse environmental impacts. This will involve installation of an efficient gas collection system and requisite flaring equipment. The gas collection and flaring equipment is being supplied by Hofstetter Gastechnik AG which is one of the world’s leading companies in flaring technology and degassing systems. The gas engine used for generation of power is being supplied by GE. The project activity therefore would result in reduction of
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with uncontrolled release of methane into the atmosphere and replacement of equivalent power from regional grid or equivalent amount of captive power as applicable
The gas collection network would be combination of horizontal and vertical wells. The Horizontal gas collection system in combination with the vertical gas wells consists of gas trenches and implemented with a defined gradient from the centre of the landfill towards the sides. Vertical wells are drilled at adequate distance. The vertical gas wells are directly interconnected with the gas trenches and are underground and not piercing the surface in order to facilitate movement of waste dumping machinery on the landfill.
This is a proven technology for landfill gas combustion, and has been widely demonstrated as reliable and environmentally safe. The technology for the project has been provided by Hofstetter Gastechnik AG who is one of the leading technology service providers in degassing technology. The project activity therefore would result in reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with uncontrolled release of methane into the atmosphere. The gas collection network would be combination of horizontal and vertical wells. The Horizontal gas collection system in combination with the vertical gas wells consists of gas trenches and implemented with a defined gradient from the centre of the landfill towards the sides. Vertical wells are drilled at adequate distance. The vertical gas wells are directly interconnected with the gas trenches and are
underground and not piercing the surface in order to facilitate movement of waste dumping machinery on the landfill. The pictorial depiction of the setup is given below:
The project activity involves installation of a compact degassing plant and an efficient high temperature flare (temperature around 1000-1200 Deg C).
Compact Degassing plant (HOFGAS):
The project activity involves the installation of an active landfill-gas collection system using a combination of horizontal and vertical gas wells drilled into the waste to extract the LFG. The gas collection network consists of pipes that connect groups of gas wells to manifolds. These manifolds are connected to a main pipe and then to the main header pipe, which delivers the gas to the extraction plant and the flare. The system operates at pressure slightly lower than atmospheric, as blowers will draw the gas from the wells through the collection system and deliver it to the flare. The technical details of the Compact Degassing plant MGP-2500/2000-C are given below:
Compact degassing plant MGP-2500/2000-C
Description Unit Value
Gas Flow Rate of the 2 blowers Nm3/h 2500(min 300 Nm3/h)
Gas Flow Rate of the flare Nm3/h 2000 (min 400 Nm3/h)
Gas Temperature at inlet Deg C 50-60
Blower Pressure Rise mbar 300
Suction Pressure at Inlet Mbar -100
Combustion Temperature Deg C 1000-1200
Residence Time Seconds >0-3 seconds
Nominal power rating of motors kW 2X30
Nominal power rating of flare kW 1
Nominal power rating of container kW 10
The information is based on the Offer Number Q_AE150105-rev.1dated 20th September 2015
The other major components of the project would include. Suction piping and discharge piping for blower system. Gas collection stations
High temperature flare unit.
Blower skid for conveying gas from landfill to flare Dewatering unit
Electrical control cabinet
Instrumentation systems for blower and flare operations.
Onsite DG for auxiliary power
100% gas based engine for power generation
A.4. Parties and project participants
Party involved (host) indicates host Party
Private and/or public entity(ies) project
participants (as applicable)
Indicate if the Party involved wishes to be considered as project participant (Yes/No)
United Arab Emirates
Green Energy Solutions & Sustainability LLC
No
Public Works & Services Department, Govt. of Ras-Al-Khaimah
No
A.5. Public funding of project activity >>
No public funding has been used in the project activity
SECTION B. Application of selected approved baseline and monitoring
methodology and standardized baseline
B.1. Reference of methodology and standardized baseline >>
Reference of methodology:
Applicable Methodology Flaring or use of landfill gas
Methodology # ACM0001
Version # 17.0
Scale Large Scale-Consolidated
Status Active
Validity Valid from 13 May 16 onwards
Sectoral Scope 13
Sources Replaces: AM0002 , AM0003 , AM0010 , AM0011
Weblink Weblink Provided here
Reference of standardized baseline: Applicable Standardized
Baseline
Not Applicable for the proposed project activity
Reference of the tools used in the project activity
Tool Tool to determine project emissions from flaring gases containing methane
Version # 2.0.0
EB # EB 68 Annex 15
Status Active
Validity From 20 Jul 2012 onwards
Weblink Weblink Provided Here
Tool Baseline, project and/or leakage emissions from electricity consumption and monitoring of electricity generation
Version # 2.0
Status Active
Validity From 27 Nov 2015
Weblink Weblink Provided Here
Tool Tool to calculate project or leakage CO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion
Version # 2
EB # EB 41 annex 11
Status Active
Validity From 2 Aug 2008
Weblink Weblink Provided Here
Tool Combined tool to identify the baseline scenario and demonstrate additionality
Version # 6.0
EB # EB 85 annex 11
Status Active
Validity From 24 July 2015
Weblink Weblink Provided Here
Tool Emissions from solid waste disposal sites
Version # 7
EB # EB 83 annex 7
Status Active
Validity From 16 Apr 2015
Weblink Weblink Provided Here
Tool Tool to determine the remaining lifetime of equipment
Version # 1
EB # EB 50 annex 15
Status Active
Validity From 16 Oct 2009
Weblink Weblink Provided Here
Tool Tool to determine the baseline efficiency of thermal or electric energy generation systems
Version # 2.0
EB # EB 87 annex 11
Status Active
Validity From 27 Nov 2015
Weblink Weblink Provided Here
Tool Tool to determine the mass flow of a greenhouse gas in a gaseous stream
Version # 3.0
EB # EB 87 annex 10
Status Active
Validity From 27 Nov 2015
Weblink Weblink Provided Here
Tool Assessment of the validity of the original/current baseline and update of the baseline at the renewal of the crediting period
Version # 3.0.1
EB # EB 66 annex 47
Status Active
Validity From 2 Mar 2012
B.2. Applicability of methodology and standardized baseline >>
1. Applicability of Methodology Methodology Key Elements
Typical Projects Capture of landfill gas (LFG) and its flaring and/or use to produce energy and/or use to supply consumers
Type of GHG emissions mitigation action
GHG destruction:
Destruction of methane emissions and displacement of a more-GHG-intensive service
2. Scope
Scope Applicability
This methodology applies to project activities that include the destruction of methane emissions and displacement of a more-GHG-intensive service by capturing landfill gas from the landfill site and/or flaring and/or using to produce energy (i.e. electricity, thermal energy); and/or using to supply consumers through natural gas distribution network, dedicated pipeline or trucks
Applicable. The project activity involved destruction of methane emissions and also utilizes the landfill gas from the landfill site to produce electricity of around 4MW.
In the project activity large scale methodology ACM0001 Flaring or use of landfill gas, Version
17.0 has been applied and application of the methodology is justified below:
Applicability Criteria Justification
(a) Install a new LFG capture system in a new or existing SWDS where no LFG capture system was installed prior to the implementation of the project activity
Applicable. The project activity involves installation of landfill gas capture in new SWDS around an existing set up The project activity also envisages utilization of landfill gas in a 100% gas engine to generate estimated 4 MW of power. The installation against the previous project had been lying idle from 2012 and the equipment have been handed over to the Ras Al Khaimah govt.
(b) Make an investment into an existing LFG capture system to increase the recovery rate or change the use of the captured LFG, provided that
(i) The captured LFG was vented or flared and not used prior to the implementation of the project activity; and
(ii) In the case of an existing active LFG capture system for which the amount of LFG cannot be collected separately from the project system after the implementation of the project activity and its efficiency is not impacted on by the project system: historical data on the amount of LFG capture and flared is available
Applicable. The existing LFG capture system
has not been operational since 2012. It may be also noted that the captured LFG was flared Prior to closure of the project. The project has been decommissioned and the project equipments have been handed over to PWSD. In the present project the LFG collected from the project activity would be used for power generation, which was not done during the earlier project Hence (i) is applicable and fulfilled.
(c) Flare the LFG and/or use the captured LFG in any (combination) of the following ways:
(i) Generating electricity
(ii) Generating heat in a boiler, air heater or kiln (brick firing only) or glass melting furnace;1 and/or
(iii) Supplying the LFG to consumers through a natural gas distribution network
(iv) Supplying
compressed/liquefied LFG to consumers using trucks
(v) Supplying the LFG to
consumers through a
dedicated pipeline
(d) Do not reduce the amount of organic waste that would be recycled in the absence of the project activity.
Applicable. The LFG would be captured for (i)
generating electricity. Hence this is applicable and fulfilled
(i) Fulfilled and complied with
(ii) Not Applicable. The project activity entails generation of electricity from the LFG.
(iii) The LFG would be used to generate electricity and the same would be supplied to the grid or local captive consumers. Supplying the LFG to consumers through a natural gas distribution network is not envisaged by the project activity
(iv) The LFG would be used to generate electricity and the same would be supplied to the grid or local captive consumers. Supplying compressed/liquefied LFG to consumers using trucks is not envisaged by the project activity (v) The LFG would be used to
generate electricity and supplying the LFG to consumers through a dedicated pipeline is not envisaged by the project activity
(d) There is no change in the landfill gas management site, and it would have continued to receive waste in the same way in the absence of the project activity. As a result there will not be any reduction of waste that would be recycled in absence of the project activity
3. The methodology is only applicable if the application of the procedure to identify the baseline scenario confirms that the most plausible baseline scenario is:
(a) Atmospheric release of the LFG or capture of LFG and destruction through flaring to comply with regulations or contractual requirements, to address safety and odour concerns, or for other reasons; and
(b) In the case that the LFG is used in the project activity for generating electricity and/or generating heat in a boiler, air heater, glass melting furnace or kiln:
(i) For electricity generation: that electricity would be generated in the grid or in captive fossil fuel fired power plants; and/or
(ii) For heat generation: that heat would be generated using fossil fuels in equipment located within the project boundary
(c) In the case of LFG supplied to the end-user(s) through natural gas distribution network, trucks or the dedicated pipeline, the baseline scenario is assumed to be displacement of natural gas.
3. Applicable& fulfilled.
In the absence of the project activity the LFG was flared till 2012 and post 2012 the project activity was decommissioned and handed over to PWSD.
The most plausible baseline scenarios for the project activity are as follows
Baseline for LFG Capture and Flaring
continuation of passive venting of Mechane from the landfill site without any capture project. (scenario a)
Baseline for Electricity Generation from LFG Electricity generation in existing and/or new grid-connected power plants
The LFG is used in the project activity for generating electricity and as stated above the baseline for the electricity generation from LFG would be: The electricity would have been generated in the grid or captive fossil fuel based captive systems.
Hence this criteria is applicable and fulfilled.
4. This methodology is not applicable: (a) In combination with other approved
methodologies. For instance, ACM0001 cannot be used to claim emission reductions for the displacement of fossil fuels in a kiln or glass melting furnace, where the purpose of the CDM project activity is to implement energy efficiency measures at a kiln or glass melting furnace
(b) If the management of the SWDS in the project activity is deliberately changed during the crediting in order to increase methane generation compared to the situation prior to the implementation of the project activity
4. (a) Applicable & Fulfilled. In the project
activity large scale methodology ACM0001 Flaring or use of landfill gas, Version 17.0.0 has been applied. The project activity does not involve use of any other methodology apart from ACM0001
Applicable & Fulfilled (b) There is no change
in the management of the SWDS apart from the installation of the LFG recovery system. Prior to the project activity the solid wastes were dumped in the selected area and then the wastes are mechanically compacted.. There will be no deliberate change in the management of the SWDS which will increase the methane generation compared to the situation prior to the implementation of the project activity. Hence this is criteria is fulfilled.
In addition the applicability conditions mentioned in the following tools are to be fulfilled. The following tools have been referred in the project activity.
"Emissions from solid waste disposal sites";
"Combined tool to identify the baseline scenario and demonstrate additionality"; “Project emissions from flaring”;
"Baseline, project and/or leakage emissions from electricity consumption and monitoring of electricity generation";
"Tool to calculate project or leakage CO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion"; "Tool to determine the remaining lifetime of equipment";
"Determining the baseline efficiency of thermal or electric energy generation systems"; "Tool to determine the mass flow of a greenhouse gas in a gaseous stream";
B.3. Project boundary
Source GHGs Included? Justification/Explanation
B as eli ne sc en ari o Emissions from decomposition of waste at the SWDS site
CO2 No CO2 emissions from decomposition of organic waste are not accounted since the CO2 is also released under the project activity
CH4 Yes The major source of emissions in the
baseline
N2O No N2O emissions are small compared to CH4 emissions from SWDS. This is conservative
Emissions from electricity
generation
CO2 Yes Major source of emission in the
baseline. Electricity would be generated in the project activity
CH4 No Excluded for simplification. This is
conservative
N2O No Excluded for simplification. This is
conservative Emissions from
heat generation
CO2 No Excluded Since there is no thermal
energy generation in the project activity
CH4 No Excluded Since there is no thermal
energy generation in the project activity
N2O No Excluded Since there is no thermal
energy generation in the project activity
Emissions from the use of natural gas
CO2 No Excluded Since use of natural gas is
not envisaged in the project activity CH4 No Excluded Since use of natural gas is
not envisaged in the project activity N2O No Excluded Since use of natural gas is
not envisaged in the project activity
P roj ec t sc en ar io Emissions from fossil fuel consumption for purposes other than electricity generation or transportation due to the project activity
CO2 No Excluded Since the project activity is
not expected to combust any fossil fuel CH4 No Excluded Since the project activity is
not expected to combust any fossil fuel N2O No Excluded since the project activity is
not expected to combust any fossil fuel
Emissions from electricity
consumption due to the project activity
CO2 Yes Major source of emission since the
project is envisaged to have onsite Diesel Generator set(s) for energy generation purpose in case of breakdown of primary generation source.
CH4 No Excluded for simplification. This
emission source is assumed to be very small
N2O No Excluded for simplification. This
emission source is assumed to be very small
flaring be negligible
CH4 Yes Major source of Emission in case of
inefficient flare operation.
N2O No Excluded. Emissions are considered to
be negligible Emissions from
distribution of LFG using trucks and dedicated
pipelines
CO2 No Excluded. Distribution of LFG using
trucks and dedicated pipelines is not envisaged in the project activity
CH4 No Excluded. Distribution of LFG using
trucks and dedicated pipelines is not envisaged in the project activity
N2O No Excluded. Distribution of LFG using
trucks and dedicated pipelines is not envisaged in the project activity
As per Section 5.1 paragraph 15 of the applicable methodology (ACM0001, Version 17), “The project boundary of the project activity shall include the site where the LFG is captured and, as applicable”:
(a) Sites where the LFG is flared or used (e.g. flare, power plant, boiler, air heater, glass melting furnace, kiln, natural gas distribution network, dedicated pipeline or biogas processing facility);
(b) Captive power plant(s) (including emergency diesel generators) or power generation sources connected to the grid, which are supplying electricity to the project activity (c) Captive power plant(s) (including emergency diesel generators) or power generation
sources connected to the grid, which are supplying electricity in the baseline that is displaced by electricity generated by captured LFG in the project activity;
(d) Heat generation equipment or sources which are supplying heat in the baseline that is displaced by heat generated by captured LFG in the project activity; and
(e) The transportation of the compressed/liquefied LFG from the biogas processing facility to consumers.
The project boundary is therefore(a)The Al Jazeera Landfill site at Ras-Al-Khaimah where landfill gas would be captured, flared and electricity would be generated from the LFG. The project boundary includes the following:
B.4. Establishment and description of baseline scenario >>
In accordance with ACM0001, version 17.0, the baseline scenario is identified as follows Step 1: Identification of alternative scenarios
As per ACM0001, version 17.0 (Flaring or Use of Landfill Gas)Step 1 of the "Combined tool to identify the baseline scenario and demonstrate additionality"4 all realistic and credible alternatives have been identified below:
Step 1(a) Define Alternative scenarios to the proposed CDM project activity
4
https://cdm.unfccc.int/methodologies/PAmethodologies/tools/am-tool-02-v6.0.pdf Blower
Landfill Gas Unit F A G
Flare
T B
Gas Engine
DG Set E
Flow Total Raw Gas Analyser
Blower Energy Meter Flare Temp Flow Flare E Exhaust Analyser Energy Meter Electricity Delivered to Grid / captive consumer
As per paragraph 26 of the above mentioned methodology In applying Step 1 of the tool, baseline alternatives for the destruction of LFG, shall take into consideration, inter alia, the following alternatives:
Alternative # Alternative Description Justification Baseline
(a) LFG#1 The project activity implemented without being registered as a CDM project activity (i.e. capture and flaring or use of LFG)
The proposed project activity undertaken without being registered as a CDM project activity is a plausible scenario. Yes
(b) LFG#2 Atmospheric release of the LFG or capture of LFG and destruction through flaring to comply with regulations or contractual requirements, to address safety and odour concerns, or for other reasons
The pre-project scenario is total release of the LFG to the atmosphere and hence this is a plausible baseline scenario
Yes
(c) LFG#3 LFG generation is partially avoided because part of the organic fraction of the solid waste is recycled and not disposed in the SWDS
In the pre-project scenario the waste dumped at the site was not recycled and the entire waste was disposed in the SWDS. Hence this not a plausible baseline scenario No (d) LFG#4 LFG generation is partially avoided because part of the organic fraction of the solid waste is treated aerobically and not disposed in the SWDS
In the pre-project scenario no aerobic treatment of solid waste was in place and the entire waste was disposed in the SWDS. Hence this not a plausible scenario.
No
(e) LFG#5 LFG generation is partially avoided because part of the organic fraction of the solid waste is incinerated and not disposed in the SWDS
In the pre-project scenario no incineration of solid waste was in place and the entire waste was disposed in the SWDS. Hence this not a plausible scenario.
No
As per paragraph 27 of the applied methodology “In addition to the alternative baseline scenarios identified for the destruction of LFG, alternative scenarios for the use of LFG shall also be identified (if this is an aspect of the project activity):
(a) For Electricity generation, alternatives shall include inter alia:
Alternative # Alternative Description Justification Baseline (i) E#1 Electricity generation from LFG,
undertaken without being registered as CDM project activity;
The proposed project activity without being registered as a CDM project activity is a plausible baseline scenario
Yes
(ii) E#2 Electricity generation in existing or new renewable or fossil fuel based captive power plant(s);
In the pre project scenario, the LFG was only flared. The Electricity generation facility was not implemented. The electricity generation in existing or new renewable is not possible is an active landfill site. Additionally electricity generation from fossil fuel based captive power plant by private entities in RAK is also not practically possible. Hence this cannot be considered as a plausible baseline scenario
No
(iii) E#3 Electricity generation in existing and/or new grid-connected power plants;
In the absence of the project activity equivalent amount of power would have been generated in existing or new grid connected power plants. Hence this is a plausible baseline scenario.
Yes
As heat generation is not envisaged in the project activity, hence the baseline scenarios for heat generation from LFG have not been identified for the project activity
Outcome of Sub-Step 1(a):
The following are defined as credible alternatives to the project activity: a. For the landfill gas capture and flaring
LFG#1The project activity implemented without being registered as a CDM project activity (i.e. capture and flaring or use of LFG)
LFG#2Atmospheric release of the LFG, to address safety and odour concerns, or for other reasons
b. For the electricity generation from landfill gas
E#1Electricity generation from LFG, undertaken without being registered as CDM project activity
E#2 Electricity generation in existing and/or new grid-connected power plants; Sub-Step 1(b)Consistency with mandatory laws and regulation
All the scenarios mentioned above (LFG#1, LFG#2, E#1, E#2) comply with the applicable laws and regulations of the country. There are no laws in UAE which mandates any recovery of methane from the landfill site and generation of power from the landfill gas5.
Outcome of Sub-Step 1(b):
The following are defined as credible alternatives to the project activity: c. For the landfill gas capture and flaring
LFG#1The project activity implemented without being registered as a CDM project activity (i.e. capture and flaring or use of LFG)
LFG#2Atmospheric release of the LFG, to address safety and odour concerns, or for other reasons
d. For the electricity generation from landfill gas
E#1Electricity generation from LFG, undertaken without being registered as CDM project activity
E#2 Electricity generation in existing and/or new grid-connected power plants;
Step 2: Barrier analysis:
This step has not been applied to demonstrate additionality.
Step 3: Investment analysis
The plausible alternatives have been tabulated below:
Alternative # Alternative Description Justification Possible option LFG#1 The project activity implemented
without being registered as a CDM project activity (i.e. capture and flaring or use of LFG)
the only revenue generated in a landfill site with gas capture project is the carbon revenues. In absence of the same there is no money flow and thus would result in negative cash flow making the project unviable.
No
LFG#2 Atmospheric release of the LFG or capture of LFG and
this represents the pre-project scenario and is thus viable.
Yes
5 Based on the list of laws and regulations available in the website http://moew.gov.ae/portal/en/laws-and-legislations.aspx#page=1(please select category as environment)
destruction through flaring to comply with regulations or contractual requirements, to address safety and odour concerns, or for other reasons E#1 Electricity generation from LFG,
undertaken without being registered as CDM project activity;
Although this is a probable scenario but the project without CDM benefit would have to face all financial furdles related to being the first of its kind in the region and thus viability of such project would not be there.
No
E#3 Electricity generation in existing and/or new grid-connected power plants;
In the absence of the project activity equivalent amount of power would have been generated in existing or new grid connected power plants. Hence this is a plausible baseline scenario.
Yes
Thus on analysis the following are the most plausible baseline options. :
For Destruction of LFG:-continuation of the pre-project scenario which corresponds to venting of
LFG from landfill gas and
For Electricity Generation from LFG: generation of power in grid connected power plants or
generation of power in house for captive consumers.
In continuation to the above as per paragraph 21 of Section 5.3.1 (Simplified procedures to identify the baseline scenario and demonstrate additionality)“The following types of project activities are deemed automatically additional, if prior to the implementation of the project activity the LFG was only vented and/or flared but not utilized for energy generation:
(a) The LFG is used to generate electricity in one or several power plants with a total nameplate capacity that equals or is below 10 MW;
(b) The LFG is used to generate heat for internal or external consumption; (c) The LFG is flared.
In line with the above, The project activity is deemed automatically additional since prior to the implementation of the project activity the LFG was flared (till 2012) and then vented under natural conditions. Additionally the LFG would be used to generate electricity (4MW) and the same would be supplied to the Grid/ captive consumers. Hence (a) is applicable and fulfilled
Hence in line with the above argument, prior to the implementation of the aforesaid project activity the LFG was flared till 2012 and post 2012, LFG was only vented under natural conditions. Moreover, in the absence of the project activity the electricity generation in existing and/or new grid-connected power plants would have taken place
Hence The baseline scenario for the above mentioned project activity would be: Baseline for LFG Capture and Flaring
LFG#2 Atmospheric release of the LFG
Baseline for Electricity Generation from LFG
Electricity generation in existing and/or new grid-connected power plants B.5. Demonstration of additionality
Specify the methodologyor standardized baseline that establish automatic additionality for the proposed project activity(including the version number and the specific paragraph, if applicable).
Methodology:ACM0001: Flaring or use of landfill gas --- Version 17.0
With reference to Section 5.3.1 (Simplified procedures to identify the baseline scenario and demonstrate additionality) paragraph 21“The following types of project activities are deemed automatically additional, if prior to the implementation of the project activity the LFG was only vented and/or flared but not utilized for energy generation:
(a) The LFG is used to generate electricity in one or several power plants with a total nameplate capacity that equals or is below 10 MW;
(b) The LFG is used to generate heat for internal or external consumption;
(c) The LFG is flared. Describehow the proposed project activity meets
the criteria for automatic additionality in the relevant methodologyor standardized baselines.
In line with the above, The project activity is deemed automatically additional since prior to the implementation of the project activity the LFG was flared (till 2012) and then vented under natural conditions. Additionally the LFG would be used to generate electricity (4MW) which is less than the specified threshold of 10 MW and the same would be supplied to the Grid/ captive consumers. Hence (a) is applicable and fulfilled
Hence in line with the above argument, the project is deemed to be auto additional.
Prior Consideration of the Project Activity
The project proponents have considered CDM revenues right at the planning stage of the project activity. “Guidelines on the demonstration and assessment of prior consideration of the CDM”, version 4, EB 62 annex 136
“For project activities with a starting date on or after 02 August 2008, the project participant must inform a Host Party DNA and the UNFCCC secretariat in writing of the commencement of the project activity and of their intention to seek CDM status. Such notification must be made within six months of the project activity start date”
The startdate of the project activity is20th September 20157 i.e. the date of the technical offer with the equipment supplier (Hofstetter Gastechnik AG, Switzerland). In line with the above guidance the project proponent has intimated both the host Party DNA (CDM- DNA of UAE) and UNFCCC secretariat through email and received the acknowledgement from both the parties. The important dates are presented here below:
6https://cdm.unfccc.int/Reference/Guidclarif/reg/reg_guid04.pdf
Date CDM Related Milestone 14/10/2015 Notification to UNFCCC about the CDM project activity
14/10/2015 Acknowledgement of the receipt of notification of the CDM project activity by UNFCCC
DD/MM/YY Notification to DNA (UAE) about the CDM project activity
DD/MM/YY Acknowledgement of the receipt of notification of the CDM project activity by DNA (UAE) & UNFCCC
B.6. Emission reductions
B.6.1. Explanation of methodological choices >>
1. Baseline Emissions
As per Section 5.4 (paragraph 29) of the applied methodology “Baseline emissions are determined according to equation (1) and comprise the following sources:
a. Methane emissions from the SWDS in the absence of the project activity;
b. Electricity generation using fossil fuels or supplied by the grid in the absence of the project
activity;
c. Heat generation using fossil fuels in the absence of the project activity; and
d. Natural gas used from the natural gas network in the absence of the project activity. Out of the above mentioned sources:
a. Methane emissions from the SWDS in the absence of the project activity;
b. Electricity generation using fossil fuels or supplied by the grid in the absence of the project activity
Both the above are applicable to the project activity. The baseline emissions have been calculated as follows:
_______________________________Equation (1) Where:
Baseline emissions in year y (t CO2e/year)
Baseline emissions of methane from the SWDS in year y (tCO2e/year)
Baseline emissions associated with electricity generation in year y(tCO2e/year)
Baseline emissions associated with heat generation in year y (tCO2/year)
Baseline emissions associated with natural gas use in year y (t CO2/year)
The project does not involve heat generation and natural gas usage, hence baseline emissions from heat generation and natural gas usage has not been considered
Hence the final equation would be:
_______________________________________Equation 1.1
As per section 5.4.1(Baseline emissions of methane from the SWDS (BECH4,y) paragraph 30 of the methodology,
“Baseline emissions of methane from the SWDS are determined as follows, based on the amount of methane that is captured under the project activity and the amount that would be captured and destroyed in the baseline (such as due to regulations). In addition, the effect
of methane oxidation that is present in the baseline and absent in the project is taken into account8”
In line with the above Baseline emissions of methane from the SWDS (BECH4,y)has been calculated as:
Step A: Baseline emissions of methane from the SWDS (BECH4,y)
____________________Equation (2) Where:
Baseline emissions of methane from the SWDS in year y (tCO2e/year)
Fraction of methane in the LFG that would be oxidized in the top layer of the SWDS in the baseline (dimensionless)
Amount of methane in the LFG which is flared and/or used in the project activity in year y (t CH4/year)
Amount of methane in the LFG that would be flared in the baseline in year y (t CH4/year)
Global warming potential of CH4 (t CO2e/t CH4)
As per Section 5.4.1 Ex post determination of FCH4,PJ,y(paragraph 31), “During the crediting period, FCH4,PJ,y is determined as the sum of the quantities of methane flared and used in power plant(s), boiler(s), air heater(s), glass melting furnace(s), kiln(s) and natural gas distribution, as follows”:
Ex post determination of FCH4,PJ,y
______________________Equation (3) Where:
Amount of methane in the LFG which is flared and/or used in the project activity in year y (t CH4/year)
Amount of methane in the LFG which is destroyed by flaring in year y (t CH4/year)
Amount of methane in the LFG which is used for electricity generation in year y (t CH4/year)
Amount of methane in the LFG which is used for heat generation in year y (t CH4/year)
Amount of methane in the LFG which is sent to the natural gas distribution network and/or dedicated pipeline and/or to the trucks in year y (t CH4/year)
The project activity does not involve methane usage for heat generation and natural gas distribution network and/or dedicated pipeline and/or to the trucks. As the result these are neglected. Hence the final equation would be:
_______________________________________Equation 3.1
8OX
top-layer is the fraction of the methane in the LFG that would oxidize in the top layer of the SWDS in the absence of
the project activity. Under the project activity, this effect is reduced as a part of the LFG is captured and does not pass through the top layer of the SWDS. This oxidation effect is also accounted for in the methodological tool “Emissions from solid waste disposal sites”. In addition to this effect, the installation of a LFG capture system under the project activity may result in the suction of additional air into the SWDS. In some cases, such as with a high suction pressure, the air may decrease the amount of methane that is generated under the project activity. However, in most circumstances where the LFG is captured and used this effect was considered to be very small, as the operators of the SWDS have in most cases an incentive to main a high methane concentration in the LFG. For this reason, this effect is neglected as a conservative assumption
As per the paragraph 32 and 33 of the applied methodology ACM0001, version 17.0.0, “FCH4,EL,y, FCH4,HG,y and FCH4,NG,y are determined using the “Tool to determine the mass flow of a greenhouse gas in a gaseous stream”.
Since in the project activity, the LFG captured would be flared and electricity would be generated hence
Hence,
As per Paragraph 34 of the applied methodology “is determined as the difference between the amount of methane supplied to the flare(s) and any methane emissions from the flare(s), as follows”
)___________________________Equation (4)
Where:
Amount of methane in the LFG which is destroyed by flaring in year y (t CH4/year)
Amount of methane in the LFG which is sent to the flare in year y (t CH4/year)
Project emissions from flaring of the residual gas stream in year y (t CO2e/year)
Global warming potential of CH4 (tCO2e/t CH4)
Here
F
CH4,sent_flare,yis the cumulative mass flow of gas stream over the year.As per Paragraph 35 of the applied methodology, “
F
CH4,sent_flare,yis determined directly using the “Tool to determine the mass flow of a greenhouse gas in a gaseous stream”, applying the requirements described above where the gaseous stream the tool shall be applied to is the LFG delivery pipeline to the flare(s).The mass flow of gas stream i.e. LFG delivery pipeline to the flare has been determined as per Option C of Table 2 (Flow of Gaseous Stream- Volume Flow-Wet Basis & Volumetric Fraction-Wet Basis) in the “Tool to determine the mass flow of a greenhouse gas in a gaseous stream”, (version 03.0, EB 87 Annex 10)
As per Section 5.1.2.3(Option C), paragraph 29 of the above mentioned tool “The mass flow of greenhouse gas I (Fi,t) is determined as follows:
With:
______________________________________________Equation (5) Where:
Mass flow of greenhouse gas i in the gaseous stream per hour in time interval t (kg gas/hour
Volumetric flow of the gaseous stream in time interval t on a wet basis at normal conditions (Nm³ wet gas/h)
Volumetric fraction of greenhouse gas i in the gaseous stream in time interval t on a wet basis (m³ gas i/Nm³ wet gas)
Density of greenhouse gas i in the gaseous stream at normal conditions (kg gas i/m³ wet gas i)
Absolute pressure at normal conditions (Pa) Temperature at normal conditions (K)
Molecular mass of greenhouse gas i (kg/kmol) Universal ideal gases constant (Pa.m3/kmol.K)
As per Section 5.1.2.3(Option C), paragraph 30 of the above mentioned tool “The following equation has been used to convert the volumetric flow of the gaseous stream from actual conditions to normal conditions of temperature and pressure:
(
)
______________________________________
Equation (6) Where:Volumetric flow of the gaseous stream in time interval t on a wet basis at normal conditions (Nm³ wet gas/h)
Volumetric flow of the gaseous stream in time interval t on a wet basis (Nm³ wet gas/h) Pressure of the gaseous stream in time interval t (Pa)
Temperature of the gaseous stream in time interval t (K) Absolute pressure at normal conditions (Pa)
Temperature at normal conditions (K)
In the proposed CDM project activity the volumetric flow rate of the gaseous stream is directly available from the flow meter at normal conditions29 and hence the equation (6) mentioned above
has not been used for the determination of Thus the parameter becomes redundant as is directly measured from the gas flow meter.
Project Emissions from Flaring
As per methodology ACM0001, version 17.0. is determined using themethodological tool"Project emissions from flaring"If methane is flared through more than one flare, the PEflare,y
shall be determined for each flare using the tool
Theproject emissions from flaring of the residual gas stream are calculated based on the flare efficiency and the mass flow rate of methane in the residual gas stream that is flared. The flare efficiency depends on both the actual efficiency of combustion in the flare and the time that the flare is operating. For enclosed flares, the temperature in the exhaust gas of the flare is measured to determine whether the flare is operating or not.
Open Flares
Open flare In the case of open flares, the flare efficiency in the minute m (flare,m) is 50% when the flame is detected in the minute m (Flamem), otherwise flare,m is 0%.
Enclosed Flares
For enclosed flares, either of the following two options can be used to determine the flare efficiency Option A: Apply a default value for flare efficiency.
Option B: Measure the flare efficiency.
For enclosed flares that are defined as low height flares, the flare efficiency in the minute m (flare,m) shall be adjusted, as a conservative approach, by subtracting 0.1 from the efficiency as determined in Options A or B. For example, the default value applied should be 80%, rather than 90%, and if for example the measured value was 99%, then the value to be used shall correspond to 89%.In the project activity continuous monitoring of the methane destruction efficiency of the flare will be followed as Enclosed Flare would be used.
As per the methodological tool “Project Emissions from Flaring” (Version 02.0.0),
Step 2.1: Determine the methane mass flow in the exhaust gas on a dry basis
The mass flow of methane in the exhaust gas is determined based on the volumetric flow of the exhaust gas and the measured concentration of methane in the exhaust gas, as follows:
10-6____________________________________________________________Equation (7) Where:
Mass flow of methane in the exhaust gas of the flare on a dry basis at reference conditions in the minute m (kg)
Volumetric flow of the exhaust gas of the flare on a dry basis at reference conditions in minute m (m3)
Concentration of methane in the exhaust gas of the flare on a dry basis at reference conditions in minute m (mg/m3 )
Step 2.2: Determine the volumetric flow of the exhaust gas has been calculated as following
_______________________________________________Equation (8)
Where
Volumetric flow of the exhaust gas on a dry basis at reference conditions in minute m (m3)
Volume of the exhaust gas on a dry basis at reference conditions per kilogram of residual gas on a dry basis at reference conditions in minute m (m3 exhaust gas/kg residual gas) Mass flow of the residual gas on a dry basis at reference conditions in the minute m (kg)
Step 2.3 Determination of the Mass Flow of the Residual Gas (
The calculation of ( is based on the volumetric flow and the density of the residual gas. The density of the residual gas is determined based on the volumetric fraction of all components in the gas
_____________________________________________Equation (9) Where:
Mass flow of the residual gas on a dry basis at reference conditions in minute m(kg) Density of the residual gas at reference conditions in minute m (kg/Nm3 )
Volumetric flow of the residual gas on a dry basis at reference conditions in the minute m(m3) And
________________________________________
Equation (10) Where:Density of the residual gas at reference conditions in minute m (kg/Nm3 ) Atmospheric pressure at reference conditions (Pa)101325 Pa
Molecular mass of the residual gas in minute m (kg/kmol) Temperature at reference conditions (K)273.15 K
has been calculated with the formula given below:
____________________________________________Equation (11)
Where:
Molecular mass of the residual gas in minute m (kg/kmol)
Volumetric fraction of component i in the residual gas on a dry basis at reference conditions in the hour h
Molecular mass of residual gas component i (kg/kmol)
Components of the residual gas. If Option (a) is selected to measure the volumetric fraction, then i = CH4, CO, CO2, O2, H2, H2S, NH3, N2 or if Option (b) is selected then i =
CH4 and N2. Option (b) has been selected in this case.
In the project activity, the provision for monitoring volumetric fraction of CH4, CO2 and O2 in the
residual gas is in place. Hence, as a simplified approach, the volumetric fraction of methane, carbon dioxide and oxygen will be measured and the difference to be considered 100% as nitrogen (N2) in the project activity.
Step 2.4 Determine the volume ofthe exhaust gas on a dry basis at reference conditions per kilogram of residual gas
shall be determined as follows:
__________________________________Equation (12) Where:
Volume of the exhaust gas on a dry basis per kg of residual gas on a dry basis at reference conditions in the minute m (m3/kg residual gas)
Quantity of CO2 volume in the exhaust gas per kg of residual gas on a dry basis at
reference conditions in the minute m (m3/kg residual gas)
Quantity of O2 volume in the exhaust gas per kg of residual gas on a dry basis at
reference conditions in the minute m (m3/kg residual gas)
Quantity of N2 volume in the exhaust gas per kg of residual gas on a dry basis at
reference conditions in the minute m (m3/kg residual gas) With
___________________________________________Equation (13)
Where:
Quantity of O2 volume in the exhaust gas per kg of residual gas on a dry basis at
reference conditions in the minute m (m3/kg residual gas)
Quantity of O2 (moles) in the exhaust gas per kg of residual gas flared on a dry basis at
reference conditions in minute m (kmol/kg residual gas)
(
) [ ] ________________Equation (14) Where:
Quantity of N2 (volume) in the exhaust gas per kg of residual gas on a dry basis at reference conditions in the minute m (m3/kg residual gas)
Volume of one mole of any ideal gas at reference temperature and pressure (m3/kmol) Mass fraction of nitrogen in the residual gas in the minute m
Atomic mass of nitrogen (kg/kmol) Volumetric fraction of O2 in air
Stoichiometric quantity of moles of O2 required for a complete oxidation of onekg residual
gas in minute m (kmol/kg residual gas)
Quantity of O2 (moles) in the exhaust gas per kg of residual gas flared on a dry basis at
reference conditions in minute m (kmol/kg residual gas)
__________________________________________Equation (15) Where:
Quantity of CO2 volume in the exhaust gas per kg of residual gas on a dry basis at
reference conditions in the minute m (m3/kg residual gas) Mass fraction of carbon in the residual gas in the minute m
Atomic mass of carbon (kg/kmol)
Volume of one mole of any ideal gas at reference temperature and pressure (m3/kmol)
* ___________________________________________________Equation (16)
Where:
Quantity of O2 (moles) in the exhaust gas per kg of residual gas flared on a dry basis at
reference conditions in minute m (kmol/kg residual gas)
Volumetric fraction of O2 in the exhaust gas on a dry basis at reference conditions in the
minute m
Volumetric fraction of O2 in the air
Mass fraction of carbon in the residual gas in the minute m
Atomic mass of carbon (kg/kmol)
Mass fraction of nitrogen in the residual gas in the minute m Atomic mass of nitrogen (kg/kmol)
Stoichiometric quantity of moles of O2 required for a complete oxidation of one kg
residual gas in minute m (kmol/kg residual gas)
____________________________________________________Equation (17) Where:
Stoichiometric quantity of moles of O2 required for a complete oxidation of one kg
residual gas in minute m (kmol/kg residual gas)
