Dakabin Landfill Gas Project

The Dakabin Landfill Gas Project is a waste and energy project located at the Dakabin Waste Management Facility, approximately 30km north of the Brisbane CBD in Queensland. Registered in April 2014, the project operates within the Moreton Bay Regional Council area, a region characterised by a mix of urban residential development, semi-rural properties, and industrial infrastructure. The site itself is a dedicated waste management facility, while the broader Moreton Bay region historically supported forestry and agriculture before becoming a major growth corridor.

The project operates under the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative, Electricity Generation from Landfill Gas) Methodology Determination 2021. This methodology involves the installation and operation of a system to collect landfill gas (primarily methane) generated by the decomposition of legacy and non-legacy waste. Instead of allowing this potent greenhouse gas to vent into the atmosphere, it is captured and combusted. In this specific project, the gas is used to fuel a power station, converting the methane into carbon dioxide (which has a significantly lower global warming potential) and generating renewable electricity for the local grid.

Environmentally, the Dakabin area experiences a sub-tropical climate with high, summer-dominant rainfall. The region's soils are typically texture-contrast types, often featuring sandy loam topsoils over clay subsoils, or deep red loams in elevated areas. These conditions facilitate rapid decomposition of organic waste, making active gas management crucial for both odour control and emissions reduction.

A key feature of this project is its partnership with LGI Limited, which designed and operates the on-site renewable energy facility. The power station runs 24/7 and was expanded from its initial capacity to a 2.1 MW system in 2018 to utilise increasing gas flows. By generating dispatchable renewable power, the project not only abates carbon but also helps stabilise the local electricity network. The project has successfully transitioned through multiple versions of the landfill gas methodology, ensuring its continued compliance and operational efficiency.