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Methane Projects Increasing Worldwide

Current U.S.-supported methane-recovery projects worldwide, when fully implemented, will deliver estimated annual emissions reductions of more than 24 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, tripling the reductions achieved in 2006.

That was the bottom line finding of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s third annual Methane to Markets (M2M) partnership report, released Dec. 1. M2M, launched in 2004, is a public/private partnership that reduces greenhouse gas emissions by promoting the cost-effective, near-term recovery and use of methane—from agricultural waste, coal mines, landfills, and oil and gas systems—while providing clean energy to markets around the world. The partnership has grown to include 27 partner governments and more than 800 private sector entities, financial institutions, nongovernmental agencies, and other organizations.

Through 2007, the U.S. has provided about $28.5 million to support a wide range of projects and activities. In addition, American activities and investments have leveraged more than $271 million in public and private sector contributions.

The report was developed collaboratively by the EPA, the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the U.S. Departments of Energy and Agriculture, and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency.

For a look at the state of the global waste-to-energy market, check Global Monitor in the January issue of POWER magazine early in the new year.

Sources: EPA

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