Power plant starts at tip

An electricity plant at Woy Woy tip has begun converting environmentally-damaging landfill gases.

Officially launched on September 10, it is expected to produce enough energy to power 1300 average households.

According to AGL Energy, each plant is capable of producing around 9000 MWh of electricity per annum through the extraction and combustion of landfill gas to generate electricity.

"This is an outstanding outcome for the environment and for the City of Gosford," Mayor Cr Jim Mcfadyen said.

"Through our long-standing relationship with AGL, Gosford Council has been able to deliver a win-win outcome that abates greenhouse gas emissions while generating renewable energy.

"Council is committed to ensuring it works with industry and the community in ensuring it meets its obligations in terms of environmental sustainability.

"The project will provide a major contribution to council's greenhouse gas emission targets as it removes harmful greenhouse gases and produces usable green energy."

AGL general manager Mr Scott Thomas said the landfill gas generation plant would make a significant contribution to the environment.

A proposal to generate electricity from underground gas at Woy Woy tip was first considered by council in March 2003.

Press release, 10 Sep 2008 Lisa-Maree Schell, Gosford Council