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India, EPA Partner to turn Landfill Gas into Clean Energy

As the third largest methane-emitting country in the world, India is working to develop clean energy sources that can yield substantial economic, environmental and health benefits for its citizens. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry are partnering with stakeholders from India's solid waste industry, finance community, and national government to capture and reuse landfill methane gas under EPA's Methane to Markets Partnership.

"President Bush and EPA are delivering global environmental results through innovative international collaborations," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "We are excited to work with India and share our experiences in turning landfill trash into environmental and economic treasures."

Methane emissions from the solid waste sector in India are projected to increase significantly over the next 15 years. Reusing landfill methane gas for energy purposes has the potential to mitigate 5.5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, which is equal to the annual emissions from one million vehicles. Currently, there are no operational landfill gas-to-energy projects in India but several large sites in Delhi, Mumbai and other cities could support the clean energy projects.

EPA will collaborate with India to advance project development through technical assistance, technology transfer opportunities, pre-feasibility studies, and demonstration projects. The program will help promote clean energy, energy security, improved public health, and economic opportunities.

Methane to Markets promotes cost-effective, near-term recovery and use of methane, a greenhouse gas, as a valuable clean energy source. Four major sources of methane are targeted: landfills, underground coal mines, natural gas and oil systems and agriculture. The partnership is a collaboration between a growing number of developed countries, developing countries, and countries with economies in transition. The partners work with the private sector, development banks, researchers, and other organizations to develop clean energy projects.

In addition to India, countries participating in Methane to Markets include Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Ecuador, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, South Korea, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Methane to Markets projects support the Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate, of which the United States and India are members.

To learn more about the collaboration with India, go to: http://www.epa.gov/methanetomarkets/activities.htm For general information about Methane to Markets, visit: http://www.methanetomarkets.org

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency