LFGcost-Web Version History

LFGcost-Web is a spreadsheet model in a Microsoft Excel platform that was created in 2002 and provides an initial economic feasibility analysis for developing a landfill gas (LFG) energy project. LMOP periodically updates the model with new suggested default factors and cost data from LFG energy projects. The following version history of the model describes the major updates provided with each new version. Technical review and data contributions are noted for each version where applicable.

February 2006
LFGcost-Web V1.3

• This was the first version published on the LMOP website for use by LMOP Partners. Prior versions of LFGcost were used internally by LMOP staff for project feasibility studies and outreach.

October 2006
LFGcost-Web V1.4

• Updated costs for microturbine projects
• Allowed Partners to edit inputs that were previously locked or hidden
• Cost data provided by two primary U.S. LFG-fired microturbine manufacturers (Capstone and Ingersoll Rand)

October 2008
LFGcost-Web V1.5

• Updated default product prices

September 2009
LFGcost-Web V2.0

• Updated costs for gas collection and control systems (GCCS) and all project types except microturbines and leachate evaporators
• Replaced module for liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects with one for high-British thermal unit (Btu) projects
• Updated default inputs and factors
• Technical review provided by SHAW Environmental, SCS Engineers and The Hunter Group

February 2010
LFGcost-Web V2.1

• Added state-specific economic and job creation benefits for standard engine and direct-use projects

July 2010
LFGcost-Web V2.2

• New detailed annual cash flow report

August 2014
LFGcost-Web V3.0

• First version published on the LMOP website for all users
• Updated costs for GCCS and direct-use and standard engine projects
• New module for boiler retrofit projects
• New module for compressed natural gas (CNG) projects
• Revealed previously hidden equations, inputs, etc.
• Technical review provided by CPL Systems, Tetra Tech, Cornerstone Environmental and SCS Engineers

2015

LMOP undertook a peer review of LFGcost-Web, Version 3.0. For more information on the peer review, see the Emission Guidelines and Compliance Times for Municipal Solid Waste Landfills rule docket (Docket ID# EPA-HQ-OAR-2014-0451-0210).

November 2016
LFGcost-Web V3.1

• Updated approach and reference sources for calculating electricity prices and avoided carbon dioxide (CO₂) grid factors based on regional electricity grids instead of national average values
• Added ability for users to generate a cost estimate for user-defined project sizes without requiring the user to enter landfill waste characteristics
• Updated default user inputs

May 2017
LFGcost-Web V3.2

• Added ability to estimate job creation and regional economic ripple effects for two project types: electricity generation with standard reciprocating engine-generator sets and direct-use
• Updated reference sources for calculating electricity prices and avoided CO₂ grid factors based on 2017 Annual Energy Outlook regional electricity grids
• Updated default user inputs in Appendix A

August 2019
LFGcost-Web V3.3

• Updated factors for calculating electricity prices and avoided CO₂ grid emissions based on 2019 Annual Energy Outlook regional electricity grids
• Updated default user inputs in Appendix A

October 2020
LFGcost-Web V3.4

• Revised renewable natural gas (RNG) capital and operation and maintenance cost calculations based on recent project installations and added new optional user inputs to refine RNG project costs, including:
  • Pipeline interconnection fee
  • Pipeline injection tariff
  • RNG technology methane capture rate
  • RNG product use (vehicle fuel, direct thermal)
• Updated reference sources for calculating electricity prices and avoided CO₂ grid factors based on 2020 Annual Energy Outlook regional electricity grids
• Updated default user inputs in Appendix A
• Technical assistance and data contributions provided by Energy Vision and The Hunter Group

March 2021
LFGcost-Web V3.5

• Updated the economic benefits analysis for reciprocating engine and direct-use projects and added a new economic benefits analysis for RNG projects
• Removed the leachate evaporator project type from the model given its outdated cost basis

September 2023
LFGcost-Web V3.6

(Current version)

• Updated the global warming potential of methane from 25 to 28
• Updated factors for calculating electricity prices and avoided CO₂ grid factors based on 2023 Annual Energy Outlook regional electricity grids
• Updated default product prices and escalation rates
• Updated interest rates, inflation rates, discount rates and tax rates