Sep 2022
Resolving data gaps
- Successfully applied temporary deviations using conservative grid electricity export data to resolve supervisory system data gaps.
Carbon avoidance
Avoiding methane emissions from landfill in Brazil
Overview
Site
Timeline
Benefits
Verification
As of 2022, Brazil generated approximately 81.8 million tonnes of municipal solid waste, with a collection rate of 93%. This equates to about 1.1 kg of waste per person daily. A significant portion of this waste ends up in landfills, where it decomposes and emits methane—a greenhouse gas with a global warming potential 28–36 times that of carbon dioxide over a 100-year period.
The Macaúbas Project aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through two main activities: capturing and flaring methane (CH4) from landfill gas (LFG) and generating electricity from this captured methane. The electricity produced will be supplied to the Brazilian national grid, replacing fossil-fuel generated power, thus avoiding CO2 emissions. This initiative contributes to sustainable development at both the regional and national levels.
Prior to the project, LFG was partially released through a passive capture system and burned in open flares. The project involves constructing an efficient LFG capture, collection, and flaring system, as well as a power generation plant with a total installed capacity of 9.982 MW. The estimated annual average GHG emission reduction is 445,100 tCO2e, with a total reduction of 3,115,703 tCO2e over the project’s lifetime. This project will also reduce odours and other environmental impacts associated with landfill gas.
The methodology used for the Macaúbas Project is the ACM0001 methodology – Flaring or Use of Landfill Gas, which has been assessed by the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM) and has achieved CCP-Approval.
Locations
Sabará, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Timeline
Follow the latest milestones and updates from this project.
Apr 2021
Verification and Certification of 2nd Monitoring Period
- Verification and Certification Report (Version 1.1Aa) issued by RINA Services S.p.A., certifying 102,583 tCO2e.
Dec 2020
Post-Registration Changes (PRC-9063-001) Approved
- Revised PDD (Version 5) submitted on Dec 13, 2019 and approved by the CDM Executive Board on Apr 02, 2020
- Updated methodology to ACM0001 v19.0, updated installed target capacity to 9.982 MW, and updated Global Warming Potential (GWP) of methane from 21 to 25
Jul 2020
Commencement of 2nd Crediting Period (2020–2027)
- 2nd Crediting Period began for a 7-year duration (Jul 31, 2020 to Jul 30, 2027)
- Estimated annual average emission reductions set at 445,100 tCO2e.
Jul 2020
Execution of 2nd Monitoring Period
- 2nd Monitoring Period covered 150 days from Mar 03, 2020 to Jul 30, 2020
- Achieved 102,580 tCO2e of total GHG emission reductions during this timeframe
Mar 2020
End of 1st Monitoring Period
- 1st Monitoring Period (Jul 31, 2013 to Mar 02, 2020) formally concluded
- Achieved 457,939 tCO2e of total GHG emission reductions
Jul 2018
Installation and Commercial Dispatch of Generator Group 5
- Group Generator 5 was commissioned on Jul 16, 2018
- Generator 5 entered commercial operation on Jul 27, 2018, expanding generation capacity
Sep 2017
Active LFG Collection, Flaring, and Supervisory System Launch
- Active landfill gas collection, flaring, and overall plant operation officially started on Sep 11, 2017
Jul 2017
Commissioning of Power Generators 1 Through 4
- Group Generators 1 and 2 were commissioned on Jul 03, 2017
- Group Generators 3 and 4 were commissioned on Jul 06, 2017, and achieved commercial operation on Jul 12, 2017
Jun 2017
Commercial Operation Start-Up for Generators 1 & 2
- ANEEL authorised commercial electricity dispatch to the grid for Group Generators 1 and 2
- Initiated grid-connected power exports utilising captured landfill gas
Jul 2013
May 2011
Environmental Operation License Issued
- The Environmental Agency of Minas Gerais (COPAM) granted a License of Operation for the CTR Macaúbas landfill
- Established baseline operational parameters for waste handling and environmental compliance
Benefits
The project prevents the release of methane gas into the atmosphere, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In its current monitoring phase, the project has achieved emission reductions of 102,580 tCO₂e. Additionally, the clean electricity generated by the landfill gas displaces power from fossil fuel-fired plants, further contributing to Brazil's climate action goals.
Sustainable development goals
These Sustainable Development Goals show the wider outcomes this project supports beyond its headline impact.
By preventing the release of methane into the atmosphere, the project improves air quality, reducing the negative health impacts associated with landfill emissions
The project generates clean electricity from methane gas captured at the landfill, providing a renewable energy source that helps to displace fossil fuel-based power generation. This contributes to energy access and affordability in the region while reducing dependence on polluting energy sources.
The project plays a direct role in mitigating climate change by reducing methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas. By capturing and flaring methane, it prevents its release into the atmosphere and contributes to emission reductions, advancing global efforts to combat climate change.
Verification
These partners help deliver the project and verify its impact.
Verifier
Verified Carbon Standard
The Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Program is the world's most widely used greenhouse gas (GHG) crediting program.
