There is a growing concern to determine the contribution of freshwater reservoirs to the increase of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere. A major part of this worldwide debate is related to the uncertainties in measuring representative GHG fluxes, because in some areas of the world these fluxes are poorly documented. Furthermore, the evaluation of the net greenhouse gas emissions from reservoirs is becoming more and more relevant to ensure better comparison of energy production methods, for CO₂ credits evaluation and for National Greenhouse gas inventories.

Increasing the number of measurements will significantly reduce the uncertainties around a representative mean flux from natural ecosystems as well as from reservoirs. AXYS introduces the GHG Sentinel™, a commercial automated system that measures both CO₂ and CH₄ concentrations, in addition to O₂ and water temperature, to obtain a representative mean flux of GHG from large water bodies. This automated system was originally developed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, in collaboration with Manitoba Hydro and then further adapted to Hydro Québec’s needs by Environnement Illimité.

In a hydropower application, continuous GHG concentration measurements can be taken from the reservoir surface, scroll case of the powerhouse, and in the tail race. The time-series data from the GHG Sentinel units will allow calculation of fluxes of greenhouse gases that will serve to evaluate the contribution of hydroelectric power generation to the gross flux of GHG, (sink or emitter).

The technology and methodologies behind the AXYS GHG Sentinel™ automated system provide a valuable tool in performing GHG reservoir emissions monitoring at any hydropower facility pre and post impoundment, as well as during operation.

For customized professional services that use the GHG Sentinel as just one of many tools for the measurement and analysis of GHGs emitted by aquatic environments, AXYS recommends Environnement Illimité Inc. (EI). In addition to research and development participation on the GHG Sentinel, EI has also been involved in developing an international methodology for measuring net emissions from tropical reservoirs (Sierra Leone) and has taken part in a number of GHG measurement projects in Canada and Australia.

With its recognized expertise and state-of-the-art scientific tools, EI is a recognized leader in the GHG field. Its fieldwork campaigns are planned to suite the specific characteristics of each site, host environment, season, climate, etc. For more information visit Environnement Illimité at www.envill.com.

Recent GHG Sentinel News:

AXYS participates in Greenhouse Gas Workshops in Montreal

GHG Sentinel
	A continuous automated monitoring system for greenhouse gas concentrations in freshwater environments. AXYS' GHG Sentinel™ is a continuous automated greenhouse gas monitoring system. This field deployable device performs time-series measurement of Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4) and Oxygen (O2) in freshwater environments without taking water samples to the laboratory for costly analysis. More Information
WebView Data Display Software
	Providing web-enabled graphical data display, accessible anywhere, anytime WebView™ is an interactive web application used to display environmental data collected by AXYS' Data Management System (DMS), or any other data collection system. Linked to the DMS database, WebView™ allows users to access their environmental data anytime, anywhere through an easy to use, web-based interface. More Information