Methane stocks in tropical hydropower reservoirs as a potential energy source

Abstract

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. © 2009 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.