Methane as an Overlooked Energy Resource in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Before we even open the question of large waste-to-energy facilities, it is important to take a step back and ask a simple question: what can we do with the landfills that already exist?
The answer is both simple and alarming. Landfills in Bosnia and Herzegovina are already producing energy today, but we are not using it. Instead, we allow it to escape uncontrollably into the air, polluting the environment and endangering human health. That energy comes in the form of methane—a gas that is both one of the most dangerous pollutants and a valuable energy source.
Landfills are not dead places
When waste is deposited in a landfill, the process does not end there. On the contrary, a long-lasting biological and chemical process begins, one that can last for decades. Deep inside the landfill, without the presence of oxygen, the organic fraction of waste decomposes and produces what is known as landfill gas.
Methane dominates its composition—a gas with significant energy potential, but also enormous harm to the climate. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, most of this gas has no controlled pathway. It escapes to the surface, enters the atmosphere, or ignites, leading to fires and additional pollution.
In other words, landfills are not passive. They are actively working—just against us.
Methane: a silent but extremely dangerous problem
Methane is particularly dangerous because, over a relatively short period, it has a much stronger warming effect than carbon dioxide. When released uncontrollably, its climate impact is immense. At the same time, methane is a flammable gas, which explains why fires at landfills are a frequent occurrence in many cities across Bosnia and Herzegovina.
What is even more concerning is the fact that this gas is produced for years, even decades, after waste has been deposited. In other words, the problem does not diminish on its own. If no action is taken, it persists and grows.
How energy from landfills can be used
A solution to this problem has existed for a long time and is widely used around the world. It is called Landfill Gas to Energy, or energy production from landfill gas.
The principle is relatively simple. Wells and pipelines are installed within the body of the landfill to collect the gas. This gas is then treated and used as fuel in gas engines. The engines generate electricity, while the heat produced in the process can be used for heating or industrial purposes.
The result is multiple benefits. Pollution is reduced, landfill safety is increased, local energy is produced, and dependence on imported electricity is reduced.
How much energy is really hidden in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s landfills
Although landfills cannot replace large power plants, their contribution is far from negligible. Larger landfills in Bosnia and Herzegovina have the potential to produce a stable amount of electricity for many years.
Estimates show that existing landfills alone could generate several megawatts of constant power, which on an annual basis means tens of gigawatt-hours of electricity. This is energy that is being wasted today, but tomorrow could power public lighting, municipal systems, or the heating of certain neighborhoods.
It is especially important to emphasize that this energy is produced continuously, regardless of weather conditions—unlike solar or wind power.
The fastest and most affordable measure in the energy sector
Compared to other energy projects, the utilization of landfill gas is among the fastest and most financially accessible options. Implementation timelines are measured in months, not years. The technology is proven, the risk is low, and the environmental benefits are immediate.
Unlike large facilities that often trigger political and social debate, such projects usually face less resistance, because they do not require new landfills, new incinerators, or changes in citizens’ habits.
What cannot be done with old waste
It is important to be realistic. Waste that has been buried for years cannot simply be excavated and turned into high-quality fuel for conventional power plants. Its composition is uneven, wet, and biologically degraded.
For such waste, methane is practically the only realistic energy pathway. All other technologies would require enormous investments and carry significant risk.
That is why energy from landfill gas is not seen as a final solution, but as a first, logical, and responsible step.
Preparing the ground for bigger changes
Utilizing methane from landfills does not solve the entire waste problem, but it significantly reduces the damage it currently causes. It buys time and provides experience and infrastructure needed for the next phase of the transition.
This is precisely the path taken by European Union countries. They first began controlling landfills and using landfill gas, and only later developed advanced waste-to-energy systems.
For Bosnia and Herzegovina, this represents a rational, technically feasible, and socially acceptable starting point.
