BRIN studies methane harvesting technology from landfills

The Centre for Environmental and Clean Technology Research at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has developed a technology to harvest methane gas from landfills as an alternative energy source for communities. BRIN researcher Sri Wahyono stated that the technology was developed based on field experience and collaboration with landfill operators in several regions, including Malang in East Java.

The technology uses simple equipment such as pipes, suction blowers, and gas purification units. The collected methane gas can be used as cooking fuel or to power modified generators that produce electricity from landfill methane, he said in a statement in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Sri noted that the technology development began with field studies to identify waste pile characteristics and methane gas content at landfill sites. The data was then analysed using software to predict gas potential and determine optimal well installation points.

Sri explained that wells are installed both horizontally and vertically at specific distances adjusted to the waste pile conditions. The collected methane is channelled through pipelines and drawn using suction blowers due to low gas pressure. Before use, it is purified to reduce water, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide content for safer application, he said.

Currently, the harvested methane is used for cooking fuel by local communities and internal landfill operations. It can also power small-scale electricity generation, though supply stability remains a challenge.

Sri explained that methane harvesting technology development follows several stages, from gas potential identification and well location determination, installation setup, gas transportation via suction blowers, to purification before energy use.

‘The technology is simple but has proven effective at several landfills, benefiting nearby communities,’ said Sri Wahyono.