Kentucky is soon to get its first-ever methane power plants, which will rely on gases given off by landfills to generate electricity. The plan represents a landmark energy development for the famously coal-dependent state. The three plants will cost $4 million each and generate a total of 10 megawatts of power from the gases given off by decaying trash. Currently, those gases escape into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. By converting them to usable energy, the state will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. The change comes at a price, though, since methane-based electricity is more expensive than juice from a conventional coal-fired power plant. The additional cost will be passed on to customers who choose to purchase green electricity.
