Methane Measurement in Reservoirs
A first-of-its-kind global greenhouse gas observation network for hydropower reservoirs
This world first measuring project will generate new data to update existing datasets and models.
A partnership between the International Hydropower Association (IHA), Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) and Bluemethane, with funding from the Global Methane Hub, this project is offering a complimentary greenhouse gas (carbon dioxide and methane) measuring service to twenty lucky reservoirs. Want to know your reservoir emissions? There is still time to register for this project.
Why are there methane emissions from reservoirs?
Why is it important to measure methane in reservoirs?
How does the project work?
Greenhouse gas emissions form reservoirs are mostly produced by the decomposition of organic matter in the sediments and water body. Methane is produced when decomposition takes place under anaerobic conditions. The amount of greenhouse gases emitted from individual reservoirs can currently be estimated using the G-res tool, a carbon calculator developed specifically for reservoirs. However, estimations using such tools are only as good as the data inputted.
- Greenhouse gas emissions from reservoirs are very site specific. Measuring dissolved gases will give reservoir operators the most accurate portrait of their greenhouse gas emissions, improving the accuracy of emissions reporting.
- The data collected from this project will update existing predictive models, such as the G-res tool. This will help identify high emitting reservoirs.
- Locating high emitting reservoirs will indicate where to implement methane recovery technology.
This project is offering a complimentary greenhouse gas (carbon dioxide and methane) measuring service to twenty hydropower reservoirs. We will provide (free of charge):
- Training on how to collect samples
- Detailed measurement protocol and equipment
- Laboratory analysis of the samples.
- Results from the analysis (confidential).
Reservoir operators participating in the project only need to provide boat, safe access to reservoir, personnel to take in-situ measurements.
What is the project?
This world first measuring project will generate new data to update existing datasets and models.
A partnership between the International Hydropower Association (IHA), Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) and Bluemethane, with funding from the Global Methane Hub, this project is offering a complimentary greenhouse gas (carbon dioxide and methane) measuring service to twenty lucky reservoirs. Want to know your reservoir emissions? There is still time to register for this project.
Why are there methane emissions from reservoirs?
Greenhouse gas emissions form reservoirs are mostly produced by the decomposition of organic matter in the sediments and water body. Methane is produced when decomposition takes place under anaerobic conditions. The amount of greenhouse gases emitted from individual reservoirs can currently be estimated using the G-res tool, a carbon calculator developed specifically for reservoirs. However, estimations using such tools are only as good as the data inputted.
Why is it important to measure methane in reservoirs?
- Greenhouse gas emissions from reservoirs are very site specific. Measuring dissolved gases will give reservoir operators the most accurate portrait of their greenhouse gas emissions, improving the accuracy of emissions reporting.
- The data collected from this project will update existing predictive models, such as the G-res tool. This will help identify high emitting reservoirs.
- Locating high emitting reservoirs will indicate where to implement methane recovery technology.
How will the project work?
This project is offering a complimentary greenhouse gas (carbon dioxide and methane) measuring service to twenty hydropower reservoirs. We will provide (free of charge):
- Training on how to collect samples
- Detailed measurement protocol and equipment
- Laboratory analysis of the samples.
- Results from the analysis (confidential).
Reservoir operators participating in the project only need to provide boat, safe access to reservoir, personnel to take in-situ measurements.