DTE to expand pilot project to turn landfill gas into usable fuel

A pilot project that converts methane, carbon dioxide and other trace elements from a Canton Township landfill into burnable natural gas that can be sold to customers is helping Detroit-based DTE Energy Co. inch closer to its state-mandated renewable energy goals. The natural gas effort is part of the utility's required goal to provide 10 percent of its electricity generation from renewable energy sources. Because of lower prices and greater availability, utility companies are converting energy production toward more natural gas and away from dirtier coal, said Nitin Paranjpe, Wayne State University School of Business Administration adjunct faculty of global supply chain management. "Landfill gas won't increase production that much in the long term, but people are very happy to participate because they feel they are contributing to a better climate by reducing pollution and using our natural resources," Paranjpe said. "DTE also must feel it is a profitable venture."

Crain's Detroit Business

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