Includes bibliographical references (p. 14) Caption title. "EPA/600/A-97/009." "PB97-192389."

Fuel cells convert the energy contained in fuels into electricity and useful heat. This conversion process is done in an efficient and environmentally superior manner. Fuel conversion efficiencies of up to 80% are possible with emission levels so low that fuel cells are exempt from air permitting requirements in many areas of the country. Fuel cells can operate on a variety of fuels including natural gas, propane, landfill gas, and anaerobic digester gas. Since many of these fuels may be produced from renewable sources, the fuel cell provides a method for conserving our natural resources. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently demonstrating the operation of a commercial 200 kW fuel cell on waste methane gas produced by landfills. The project addressed two major issues: (1) the design, construction, and testing of a landfill gas cleanup system, and (2) a field test of the fuel cell power plant operating on the cleaned landfill gas. A summarization of the test results for the cleanup system and fuel cell operation are given.