Transforming an active regional landfill into a clean energy asset at no cost to Council
The Taree Waste Management Centre is a critical regional facility expected to serve the MidCoast community for the next 12 to 15 years. As part of a wider strategic plan developed in 2020 to reduce its environmental footprint, MidCoast Council identified landfill gas as the primary source of its overall emissions, accounting for approximately 70% of its operational carbon output.
Following a competitive tender process, LGI was selected in 2025 to design, build, and operate a bespoke gas extraction system. The Taree site presented unique geographical challenges, including steep one-in-three batters and a remote location that complicated the logistics of transporting drill rigs and bulk materials.
LGI’s in-house engineering and field teams successfully navigated these site constraints to install a comprehensive network of wells and underground piping, culminating in an LGI1000 flare going live in April 2026.
The impressive early gas production at Taree not only generates revenue for Council in the form of Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) and addresses community concerns regarding odour, but also establishes a potential pathway for a future biogas-to-power generation project.
Project Snapshot
Long term contract with MidCoast Council to recover and beneficially use biogas from the Taree Waste Management Centre. This improves local air quality, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to the local economy.
There is No regulatory requirement to capture biogas, however ACCUs enable additional carbon abatement (above its 30% baseline) from a commercially viable flaring project under the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Method.
In 2025, LGI designed and installed a customised biogas management system, including an LGI designed and built enclosed flaring unit for this landfill. Council benefits from this bespoke biogas management system at no cost to Council.
LGI collaborated closely with the Council regarding the design & installation of the system. Future operations and maintenance of the biogas management system, including the monitoring and reporting services will be provided by LGI’s in-house team.
Biogas captured
Carbon abatement
Seedlings planted
Cars off the road
“Landfill gas was around 70% of Council’s overall emissions footprint, so it was the biggest thing for us to tackle. We went to market through a competitive process, and LGI came out on top, not just on price, but on their technical capability and their proven track record with other regional Councils.”
David Rees
Waste Manager, MidCoast Council
Key Benefits & Strategic Outcomes
The Taree Landfill Gas Abatement Project delivers a suite of environmental and financial advantages, securing a win-win outcome for the Council and the community. The system, including an LGI1000 – an LGI built enclosed biogas flaring unit, provides:
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High-Impact Carbon Abatement
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Financial Resilience
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Community Health
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Operational Synergy
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Future Potential
This project represents a significant milestone in MidCoast Council’s sustainability journey, successfully transitioning a major emissions source into a clean energy asset.
