ABSTRACT
In 1999, SCS Engineers (SCS), Korea Power Engineering Company, Inc. (KOPEC), and two
other firms were engaged by the Korean Ministry of the Environment (MOE) to conduct an
energy recovery feasibility study for the Sudokwon Landfill.
The Sudokwon Landfill is South Korea’s largest landfill. It opened in 1992 and currently has
over 80 million tonnes (88 million tons) of waste in-place. It is expected that the landfill will be
open beyond 2040. Substantial quantities of landfill gas are being produced at the Sudokwon
Landfill. The Sudokwon Landfill’s landfill gas presents a major energy recovery opportunity.
The feasibility study considered four power generation technologies: reciprocating engines;
simple cycle combustion turbines; combined cycle combustion turbines; and a steam cycle power
plant. The study also evaluated the feasibility of co-firing the landfill gas in an existing, utilityowned
power plant and in a sludge combustion facility (with energy recovery), and producing
pipeline quality gas.
The paper discusses:
• Long-term landfill gas recovery projections;
• The existing landfill gas collection and flare station facilities;
• The alternatives considered for landfill gas utilization;
• The economic and environmental evaluation of the alternatives; and
• Description of the recommended landfill gas utilization plan (a 50 MW steam cycle
power plant), including interrelationships with the operation of the wellfield and flare
station.