Since early 2019, Sorpurðun Vesturlands has operated a gas collection system at the Fíflholt landfill, West Iceland in compliance with environmental permit requirements. To address the ongoing disposal of organic waste and further enhance the system’s efficiency, the decision was made to expand its capacity.
Landfill gas, a term for greenhouse gases generated during the decomposition of organic waste, consists primarily of methane and carbon dioxide. These gases significantly impact the environment, with methane being particularly harmful—27 times more potent than carbon dioxide in driving climate change. It is therefore critical to reduce methane emissions, either by capturing it for sustainable energy use or through controlled combustion when energy recovery is not viable.
In 2018, the potential for collecting landfill gas at Fíflholt was assessed, though there were initial concerns about whether gas volumes would justify the investment in a collection system. Subsequent studies confirmed sufficient gas production, leading to the design of a collection system incorporating a flare for combustion, as other uses were not economically feasible.
With continued organic waste disposal confirmed, it was decided to pair the expansion of the landfill with a broader and more efficient gas collection system.
The expansion project, initiated in spring 2024, was recently completed. Ten new boreholes were drilled, doubling the previous number. Extensive studies on waste composition and gas production potential informed the design and layout of the new system.
Pipelines installed in the boreholes channel the collected gas into a network of specialized collection lines, which direct it to a combustion unit. This process prevents the release of harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
ReSource International, an environmental consulting firm, designed and constructed the expanded gas collection system and continues to oversee gas management operations at Fíflholt.
We extend our congratulations to the West Iceland community on achieving this important milestone in climate action.
