Methane stocks in tropical hydropower reservoirs as a potential energy source

Several studies over the last decade have shown that tropical reservoirs may constitute an appreciable source of methane (CH₄) to the atmosphere. Here, we show that the use of low-cost, innovative mitigation and recovery strategies is able not only to reduce these emissions, but also to transform ex...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Climatic change 2009-03, Vol.93 (1-2), p.1-13
Main Authors: Ramos, F. M, Bambace, L. A. W, Lima, I. B. T, Rosa, R. R, Mazzi, E. A, Fearnside, P. M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Alternative energy sources
Applied sciences
Atmospheric Sciences
Carbon dioxide
Climate change
Climate Change/Climate Change Impacts
Dams
Earth and Environmental Science
Earth Sciences
Emissions
Energy
Energy. Thermal use of fuels
Exact sciences and technology
Gas turbines
Global warming
Hydroelectric plants
Hydroelectric power
Hydroelectric power plants
Installations for energy generation and conversion: thermal and electrical energy
Methane
Nuclear energy
Potential energy
Renewable energy sources
Renewable resources
Reservoirs
Turbines
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Summary:Several studies over the last decade have shown that tropical reservoirs may constitute an appreciable source of methane (CH₄) to the atmosphere. Here, we show that the use of low-cost, innovative mitigation and recovery strategies is able not only to reduce these emissions, but also to transform existing biogenic methane stocks into a renewable energy source. Recovered gas may be pumped to large consuming centers or stored locally and burned by gas turbines to generate electricity during high-demand periods, or even purified for transport applications. Our analysis shows that the use of biogenic methane may increase considerably the energy supply in countries, like Brazil, which possess large tropical reservoirs.
ISSN:0165-0009
1573-1480
DOI:10.1007/s10584-008-9542-6