Turning Waste
into Clean Energy

This project captures methane gas from landfill sites in Brazil and converts it into renewable electricity. Landfill methane — produced as organic waste decomposes — is one of the most potent greenhouse gases, with a warming potential approximately 84 times greater than CO₂ over a 20-year period.

What the project does

The project installs gas collection infrastructure at landfill sites to capture methane before it escapes into the atmosphere. The captured methane is then burned in gas engines to generate electricity, which is fed into the regional grid — displacing fossil fuel-based power generation while simultaneously preventing methane emissions.

This creates a double climate benefit: preventing highly potent methane emissions AND generating clean electricity that displaces fossil fuels.

Why it matters

Without intervention, landfill methane escapes directly into the atmosphere — contributing significantly to climate change. Capturing and converting it to electricity transforms a harmful waste product into a clean energy resource. Brazil operates large urban landfills with significant methane generation potential, making this an impactful location for this type of project.

Co-benefits

• Prevents highly potent methane from escaping into the atmosphere
• Generates clean electricity displacing fossil fuel grid power
• Reduces local air pollution from landfill gas emissions
• Creates employment in waste management and clean energy operations
• Demonstrates responsible landfill management practices

Verification and transparency

This project is registered and verified under the United Nations Clean Development Mechanism. All carbon credits are tracked in the UNFCCC public registry — fully transparent and permanently retired on behalf of Green Circle customers.