Mitigating CH4 Emission From Hydroelectric Reservoirs Using GEE And G-res: Case Study From A Tropical Reservoir

In spite of being known as a cleaner source of energy, large hydropower reservoirs are found that they emit a considerable amount of GHGs. Quantifying and mitigating the impact of GHGs are essential as they contribute to global warming. Cloud-based tools like GEE and G-res, Earth Observation Data, and in-situ reservoir water level have been used to quantify methane (CH4) emissions from Maithon reservoir, Jharkhand, India. Mitigation techniques and developing an alternative energy source from the emission were also discussed. Initial analysis showed that a 30 cm increment in operating level could reduce CH4 degassing emissions by 5.87±1.43%. The present workflow can be used for preparing emission baselines from large reservoirs to strengthen hydropower policy to accomplish the SDGs.