The Repi Landfill Gas Project intends to collect and destroy the landfill gas (LFG) generated from the Repi open dump site currently active in Addis Ababa. For 45 years, Repi has been used as an open dump solid waste disposal site without collection, treatment, destruction, nor utilization of LFG. LFG from the site is discharged into the atmosphere, leading to poor conditions in the local environment due to emitted odour and leachate. Apart from the atmospheric discharge of LFG, there is no energy consumption that generates GHG emissions. Currently, there is no legislation requiring the collection of LFG in Ethiopia, and the government has no plans to introduce such regulations in the future.

Repi has been receiving waste at a rate of approximately 300 tons/day since 1968, 500 tons/day since 1999, and 900 tons/day in 2011. There is approximately a total of 4.5 million tons of waste disposed on the site in 2011. In March 2012, 18 hectares of the 32 hectares of Repi will be sanitarily enclosed by the owner, the Addis Ababa City Administration. In addition to the sanitary closure of the site, the Project proposes collection and destruction of LFG. Six hectares of Repi will remain active and continue receiving solid waste until 2013, when the new landfill site of Addis Ababa is operational. The waste that is dumped on the project site after the project activity has commenced will also be connected to the landfill gas collection system.

The system installed by May 2012 will deliver a surplus of 1.7 megawatts of electricity, enough to supply 8000 homes in Addis Ababa at the average electricity consumption rate.

Together with UNDP, HoA-REC is going through the process of registering the project under the UNFCCC's Clean Development Mechanism, to create a stream of revenue for the City Administration for the next ten years by generating Certified Emission Reduction (CER) credits. The project will also be registered under the Gold Standard Foundation, creating a premium price for the carbon credits and ensuring socio-economic sustainability for all stakeholders involved, including residents and the informal recycling sector.

Project Activities

• Installation of LFG collection system
• Installation of LFG electricity generation and flaring systems
• Operation, maintenance, and monitoring of the project activity
• Creation of long-term employment strategy for the population of waste scavengers

Environmental Impact

The Project is expected to improve the sanitary situation and environment though improved drainage, prevented odour by landfill gas destruction, and reduced flies and pests.

Socio-economic Impact

Reduction of health hazards to the population living around the area is the most significant component of the project activity.  It is well-documented that the SWDS is in close proximity to growing residential and socio-economic activity centres, particularly to a school. Students in the school have been suffering from methane gas induced nausea in the past and odour is a major problem for those living and passing through the area. The project will also reduce health hazards to expectant mothers.

Technological Impact

The Project includes transfer of clean technology and environmental management for landfill sites in Ethiopia. This project will be the first of its kind in Ethiopia in terms of proper closureand post-closure management of landfill sites, collection and treatment of leachate, and capture and utilization of gas for electricity generation.

Addis Ababa, Repi Landfill site

Partners:

• Addis Ababa City Administration
• UNDP