Biogas captured from the bioreactor significantly reduces the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere.
This direct greenhouse gas benefit, coupled with the offsetting of traditional energy sources, such as coal, represents an overall system that creates potential for significant emissions reduction targets.
Biogas typically consists of about 60% methane and 40% carbon dioxide. Methane has 25 times more global warming potential than carbon dioxide and if not collected can represent a significant environmental risk. A well designed and managed bioreactor can be expected to achieve greater than 90% gas collection efficiencies, compared with typically less than 70% for a retrofitted landfill.