Landfill improvement and gas valorisation at two landfills in Havana, Cuba

Project snapshot

Region: Cuba

Date: March 2025

Partners: Pollux Consulting, Cricket

Funding partners: Pro bono. Funding required for feasibility study and full-scale project

Why this work matters

Landfills in Havana are a significant source of environmental pressure. Dust and plastics carried by wind create air and land pollution during the dry season, while uncontrolled methane release contributes to climate change and health risks.

Havana also faces a severe shortage of electricity. By capturing and valorising landfill gases, there is potential to generate locally produced power, reduce dust emissions, and create new sources of income through carbon credits. This work not only addresses pollution but also supports Cuba’s energy resilience and sustainable development.

Our approach

Planned activities

• Conduct feasibility study and pilot project to test the potential for landfill gas valorisation.

• Implement dust abatement measures, including sprinklers, while longer-term solutions are developed.

Technical methodologies

• Drilling, gas and moisture measurements.

• Feasibility modelling to inform large-scale project design.

• Engineering for dust suppression pending final landfill cover.

Expected outcomes and benefits

• Electricity generation: If feasible, the project could help reduce Havana’s electricity shortages with locally produced power.

• Climate benefits: Methane capture could enable the sale of carbon credits, providing additional financial sustainability.

• Community health: Reduced wind-blown dust and plastics will lessen environmental and health impacts for surrounding communities.

Expertise and partner needs

• Expertise required: Landfill specialists, geologists, geochemists, pollution experts, economists, project managers.

• Partner support needed: Financial support; experts in stakeholder engagement and social sciences.

• Funding requirements: €0.5 million to conduct feasibility studies and pilot tests at the two Havana landfills.

Anticipated challenges

• Cuba’s state-driven economy creates complexity in setting up the organisation to operate gas recovery and valorisation.

• Ongoing US sanctions make financial transfers between Cuba and the EU difficult.

• Waste pickers working at the landfills depend on informal recycling for income; alternative livelihoods will need to be considered to ensure social equity.

Call to collaborate

The NICOLE Foundation welcomes collaboration with partners and funders to advance similar programmes of work – bringing together technical expertise, financial support and social solutions to deliver sustainable solutions.

Supported Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs)