Identifying & Utilizing Power Potential Highland Energy Inc.

A sign of a good company and its management is its ability to recognize and develop opportunities as they arise. This statement definitely applies to David McLennan, owner of Highland Energy Inc. of Kirkland, Québec. Mr. McLennan says that,

"Highland Energy Inc. is a company committed to helping the environment through sensible and economically viable means such as those found in LFG recovery and utilization."

In 1980, the Meloche quarry in Kirkland Québec, was approved to receive municipal solid waste from the Island of Montréal and the surrounding area. The Landfill was owned and operated by La Compagnie Meloche Inc., a private company based in Kirkland. Over a period of 12 years, approximately 3.8 million tonnes of waste was landfilled and by the early 90's the quarry was full. As the Meloche quarry is in close proximity to residential homes and commercial and industrial businesses, many complaints were received regarding the migration of LFG and foul odours. Methods utilized to control the migration of LFG and the foul odours were inadequate, causing concern to local authorities. At one point, all of the businesses on the south side of the landfill had to be evacuated because of gas migration.

In 1995, David McLennan, president of Highland Energy Inc., saw potential in the Meloche landfill for a LFG Energy Project. Mr. McLennan states that, 

"I feel that this project was a perfect opportunity to solve a local environmental problem by undertaking to collect and process the LFG to utilize the gas as a fuel for the production of electricity. It turned a problem into a benefit, a win-win solution for everyone."

After negotiations with Hydro-Québec and the landfill owner were complete, construction began. The new collection system and the power plant was completed in June 1998. The site, now monitored regularly by the Québec ministry of the Environment, is no longer a concern to local residents and businesses as LFG migration and the odours have been controlled. IN fact, the City of Kirkland has also indicated its confidence in the project by allowing additional development of commercial and residential projects adjacent to the site. Mr. McLennan also mentioned that,

"development has also included a golf driving range on the former landfill site for the enjoyment of local golfers."

Running at peak design capacity, the Meloche Landfill energy project can produce 1.6 megawatts of electricity, which is enough energy to provide roughly 1,100 homes with power on a yearly basis. This power is produced by 2 reciprocating engine generator sets fuelled solely by the LFG. Every year, Highland Energy captures 3,100 tonnes of methane, which represents 63, 210 tonnes of CO2 equivalent. This reduction of CO2 is equivalent to removing 15,000 cars from our roads. All the electricity that Highland Energy produces on the site is sold the Hydro-Québec.

McLennan has demonstrated, that by working together with environmental authorities and local municipalities, common environmental objectives can be achieved. Highland's instincts and commitment to developing renewable energy has proven this project to be a great success story for the environment, the local community and for the landfill gas to energy industry as well.

website: http://www.highland-energy.com

 

Click here to obtain a copy of RENEWABLE ENERGY 2009