There is a growing need to document greenhouse gas emissions of CO₂ and methane. This need is particularly relevant for national-level greenhouse gas inventories and for climate and sustainability reporting for the industry. Many companies also have their own ambitions to reduce their climate impact. In addition, there is increasing attention on how new land use development impacts both climate and nature.
SINTEF’s expertise on the carbon cycle in hydropower systems covers the entire analytical process—from understanding how gases can form, to measuring and mapping emissions, calculating full net greenhouse gas balances, and developing mitigation methods.
SINTEF Energy has been documenting the status of greenhouse gas emissions for the hydropower industry since 2001, both nationally and globally. In collaboration with Norwegian and international hydropower producers, research institutes, and universities, we have contributed to expanding knowledge on greenhouse gas emissions during the operational phase of hydropower production. By considering how the carbon cycle and emissions change with the establishment of reservoirs, more accurate emission figures can be calculated.
Through international collaboration with Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), International Hydropower Association (IHA) and UNESCO, we have contributed to the development of the G-res Tool software, which uses global emission data to estimate greenhouse gas emissions from both existing and planned hydropower reservoirs. We have also contributed as main author to the IPCC guidance report on national GHG inventory reporting.
- Learn more about our work in Environmental design of hydropower – renewable energy respecting nature
- Learn more about our work in Reduced flood challenges with hydropower
Our areas of work include:
- Measurement of greenhouse gases (CO₂, methane) from hydropower systems
- Calculation of greenhouse gas emissions linked to power production
- Establishment of greenhouse gas balances in individual or interconnected hydropower systems using the G-res Tool
- Assessment of potential emissions from future hydropower systems
- Establishment of greenhouse gas accounts for sustainability reporting in line with EU taxonomy requirements
Typical assignments for us include:
- Measuring greenhouse gas emissions from reservoirs, lakes and rivers downstream turbines using our own research infrastructure for field campaigns
- Measuring or calculating emissions prior to the establishment of a reservoir
- Net calculation and greenhouse gas inventories for hydropower projects, including comparative studies with other projects
- Estimation of potential GHG emissions in existing and planned hydropower systems across different climate zones using the G-res Tool and IPCC methodology
- Knowledge synthesis and advisory services related to greenhouse gas challenges in hydropower systems nationally and internationally
- General dissemination and knowledge transfer of greenhouse gas emissions from flooded land in various climate zones
Why choose SINTEF?
SINTEF Energy is among the world’s leading research institutes on greenhouse gas emissions from hydropower. We have extensive experience from field measurement campaigns, training, courses, and advisory work in countries such as Norway, Portugal, Albania, Malaysia, Laos, China, Colombia, and Zambia. We have modern equipment for detailed measurements and analyses of greenhouse gas emissions.
We carry out both assignments for the hydropower utilities and we participate in large Norwegian and international research projects, giving us a broad multinational network that includes hydropower utilities and research communities.