Lahat landfill turns waste into renewable energy

IPOH: Gas produced from the decomposition of solid waste at a landfill is being converted into electricity through a 2MW Biogas Renewable Energy Plant at the Lahat Sanitary Landfill here.

The plant has been operating commercially since May 28 last year, marking a significant step by the Perak government and Ipoh City Council (MBI) to expand the use of green technology and renewable energy in line with circular economy principles.

The 2MW facility, the first sanitary landfill biogas project in northern Peninsular Malaysia, captures landfill gas for productive use while helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane, into the atmosphere.

Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said the project demonstrated how landfills could be viewed not merely as waste disposal sites but also as potential sources of energy.

"Until now, we have been sending waste here because we no longer need it. But from the same waste, there is energy that can still be harnessed, and that is what I find most interesting about this project.

"Cities face the challenge of managing waste; agricultural areas have by-products that need to be managed, while industrial areas have their own energy needs and types of waste.

"In this regard, I suggest that every state agency and local authority review the waste they manage every day. If landfill gas here allows us to generate electricity, the opportunities elsewhere may be different," he said.

Saarani said this when officiating the launch of the energy plant at the Lahat Sanitary Landfill here yesterday.

Also present were Perak Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Sandrea Ng Shy Ching, Perak Science, Environment and Green Technology Committee chairman Teh Kok Lim and Ipoh mayor Zamakhshari Hanipah.

Meanwhile, MBI said the project reflected its approach to transforming waste management from mere disposal into a value-generating activity through the waste-to-energy concept.

It said the biogas plant was also part of MBI's commitment to developing Ipoh as a low-carbon, resilient and sustainable city, while supporting the state's energy transition and green technology agenda.

"With this project, the Lahat Sanitary Landfill not only serves as a solid waste management facility, but is also developing as part of a green energy ecosystem capable of generating economic value from waste," it said.

Developed by MBI in strategic collaboration with Teraju Sepadu Sdn Bhd (TSSB), with the project fully financed by TSSB, the plant captures landfill gas produced by the decomposition of municipal solid waste before treating it and using it as fuel for gas engines.

The plant generated 10.124 GWh of electricity from January to August, and processes about 650 tonnes of waste daily, equivalent to about 237,000 tonnes annually.