Utility to use gas made by Durham landfill into electricity

DURHAM — Duke Energy Corp. plans to turn gas produced by a Durham city landfill into electricity.

The News & Observer of Raleigh reported Thursday that a deal with Methane Power Inc. will allow Charlotte-based Duke Energy to begin buying up to two megawatts of power generated by the landfill beginning next year.

Under the new agreement, Methane Power will install internal combustion engines and generators at the landfill site to burn the gas and produce power.

Production for the project is slated for May 1. It is estimated to generate enough electricity to serve approximately 1,600 residential customers.

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