Landfill gas 'to power 100 homes'

Electricity generation will not start at Mont Cuet until 2010

Gases created at Guernsey's Mont Cuet landfill site could power between 50 and 100 homes, the States said.

In 2005 it gave the go-ahead for electricity to be created from methane gas in the tip but these plans were delayed by a fire at the site.

Senior Project Manager at the Public Services Department Rob Roussel said the project was in its preliminary stage.

"There will be no electricity generated at the site until 2010," he said.

Mr Roussel added: "We have to collect enough information to reasonably predict how much gas will be given off over the life of the site.

"Once we know this. we will be able to set things in motion,"

"As with all landfill sites undesirable gases are produced as waste within the site decomposes. It is standard practice for these gases to be collected and used for electricity generation where practical."

He added that the work will also reduce the smell coming from the tip.