Landfill Gas Industry Analysis in North America

Landfill Gas Sales Outlook for North America (2024 to 2034)

Sales of landfill gas in North America are estimated at US$ 1.02 billion in 2024 and are predicted to increase at a CAGR of 7.7% to reach a market value of US$ 2.14 billion by the end of 2034.

Landfill gas is a natural byproduct of the decomposition of organic waste materials in landfills. As organic waste breaks down, it produces a mixture of gases, with methane and carbon dioxide being the primary components. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change, but it also has energy potential.

North America has set ambitious renewable energy goals to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate climate change. Landfill gas, being a source of renewable energy, aligns with these objectives and is increasingly viewed as a viable energy option.

Government and regulatory bodies are providing financial incentives, subsidies, or regulatory support for projects that capture and utilize landfill gas in North America. These incentives can make landfill gas projects more economically attractive for investors and companies.

Growing public awareness of environmental issues, climate change, and the need for sustainable practices is leading to growing demand for cleaner and greener energy sources. Landfill gas projects, which help address both waste management and energy needs, fit effectively into this broader sustainability narrative.

Report Attributes	Details
Landfill Gas Sales in North America (2024E)	US$ 1.02 Billion
Forecasted Sales (2034F)	US$ 2.14 Billion
Demand Growth (2024 to 2034)	7.7% CAGR
Direct Use Segment Value (2024E)	US$ 206.4 Million
Alternative Fuel Segment Growth (2024 to 2034)	8.5% CAGR
Combined Heat & Power Segment Value (2034F)	US$ 127.19 Million
Key Companies Profiled	Waste Management, Inc.; Republic Services, Inc.; Energy Systems Group (ESG); Covanta Holding Corporation; Montauk Energy; Casella Waste Systems, Inc.; DTE Biomass Energy; SUEZ SA; Kohler Co., Inc.

Why are Sales of Landfill Gas High in North America?

“Circular Economy Revolution Transforming Landfills into Energy Mines”

The North American market is exhibiting a notable trend characterized by a growing emphasis on adopting circular economy principles. Circular economy principles emphasize closed-loop systems where materials are recycled, repurposed, and reintegrated into the production cycle, reducing the reliance on virgin resources and minimizing waste.

One significant manifestation of this trend is the increasing promotion of waste-to-energy initiatives. Landfills, traditionally viewed as sites for waste disposal, are now being recognized as potential sources of valuable energy. Through advanced technologies and innovative approaches, waste-to-energy projects harness the inherent energy content in landfill gas, primarily composed of methane and carbon dioxide.

Technological advancements address the challenge of waste accumulation but also contribute to the generation of renewable energy, aligning with broader goals of reducing dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change. Aeroderivative gas turbine is one of the advanced and lighter versions of gas turbine used in energy production projects.

“Integration of IoT and Data Analytics Facilitating Efficient Landfill Gas Extraction”

Integration of smart technologies in landfill gas production is leading to a new era of intelligent and sustainable waste management. Smart technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and data analytics help in the real-time monitoring and optimization of landfill gas extraction systems. This technological integration represents a significant leap forward in the efficiency, sustainability, and overall management of landfill gas operations.

The IoT sensors are strategically placed throughout landfill sites, capturing real-time data on various parameters critical to gas extraction processes. Factors such as gas composition, flow rates, temperature, and pressure are continuously monitored, providing operators with a comprehensive and dynamic understanding of the landfill gas environment. This level of granularity enables quicker and more informed decision-making, contributing to improved operational efficiency.

One of the primary advantages of IoT and data analytics integration is the ability to facilitate predictive maintenance. By analyzing historical and real-time data, operators can predict when equipment is likely to require maintenance, minimizing downtime and ensuring the continuous functionality of gas extraction systems. This proactive approach extends the lifespan of equipment and is also contributing to cost savings and higher operational reliability.

Country-wise Analysis

Why is the United States a Key Market for Landfill Gas Producers?

“Growing Focus on Renewable Energy Production in the Country”

Attribute	United States
Market Value (2024E)	US$ 884.6 Million
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	7.6% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 1.84 Billion

The United States has set aggressive renewable energy targets, with various states implementing Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS). Landfill gas, as a renewable energy source, aligns with these mandates, driving demand for projects that capture and utilize landfill gas for electricity generation.

• As of November 2022, data from the United States Energy Information Administration indicates that 36 states and the District of Columbia have implemented either RPS or set a renewable energy goal. Notably, in 12 of these states, as well as the District of Columbia, the established requirement is to achieve 100% clean electricity by the year 2050 or earlier.

How is the Market for Landfill Gas Shaping Up in Canada?

“Market Benefiting from High Focus on National and Provincial Renewable Energy Targets”

Attribute	Canada
Market Value (2024E)	US$ 133.7 Million
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	8.2% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 294.04 Million

Canada has established national and provincial targets for renewable energy adoption. Landfill gas projects are contributing to these targets, especially in provinces with strong commitments to incorporating renewable sources into their energy mix.

The Energy Innovation Program, along with various other initiatives from Natural Resources Canada, facilitates energy research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) efforts. These initiatives utilize a comprehensive set of programs and tools, encompassing collaborative investments, prize-based challenges, and targeted RD&D activities, driving sales of landfill gas extraction technologies.

Category-wise Analysis

How Much is Landfill Gas Usage in Electricity Generation in North America?

“Strict Renewable Energy Policies Boosting Use of Landfill Gas in Electricity Generation”

Attribute	Electricity
Segment Value (2024E)	US$ 737.4 Million
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	7.4% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 1.51 Billion

Renewable energy goals across North America are becoming a driving force behind the increasing demand for landfill gas projects in electricity generation. As respective governments are setting ambitious targets to transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, landfill gas is emerging as a pivotal player in aligning with these objectives and contributing to the broader renewable energy landscape.

Several states and provinces in the United States and Canada have implemented effective standards for renewable energy production. Landfill gas, being a renewable resource, becomes a strategic component in meeting these standards and achieving a more diversified and sustainable energy portfolio in North America.

Competitive Landscape

The North American market is competitive, and to sustain and succeed, leading landfill gas companies are adopting several organic and inorganic marketing strategies. These companies are employing tactics such as new product offerings, strategic partnerships, mergers, expansion, and more to increase their profit shares.

Segmentation of Landfill Gas Study in North America

• By Use Case :

  • Electricity
    • Internal Combustion & Reciprocating Engines
      • Below 500 kW
      • 500 kW to 1 MW
      • 1 MW to 2 MW
      • Above 2 MW
    • Gas Turbines
      • Below 2 MW
      • 2 to 5 MW
      • 5 to 8 MW
      • Above 8 MW
    • Micro Turbines
      • Below 100 kW
      • 100 to 150 kW
      • 150 to 200 kW
      • Above 200 kW
  • Direct Use
    • Boilers
    • Direct Thermal & Leachate Evaporation
    • Others
  • Combined Heat & Power
  • Alternate Fuels
    • Pipeline Fuels
    • Vehicle Fuels

• By Composition :

  • Methane
  • Carbon Dioxide

• By Country :

  • United States
  • Canada