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The quantification of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the associated uncertainties across a wide range of spatial and temporal scales represents a major metrology challenge. This submission will describe the extensive research and development work at the UK’s National Physical Laboratory (NPL) in this area. The delivery of Net Zero represents one of the biggest challenges for all areas of industry and society. Valid knowledge of GHG emissions will be a crucial element in demonstrating progress towards Net Zero and in determining the effectiveness of emission reduction technologies and interventions. A particular challenge for emission measurements is the requirement to combine the atmospheric composition determination of the relevant GHG concentration with the required information on flow needed to determine an emission rate – a step that often involves assumptions and/or modelling of atmospheric behaviour. NPL have developed a unique set of capabilities and expertise in GHG emission measurements that are demonstrating impact across multiple sectors. These capabilities provide quantification of GHG emissions from the component scale, through facility level measurements, to the national scale. The work includes testing and validation of new emission measurement technologies, the delivery of GHG measurement systems and a leading role in international standardisation activities. A primary focus for this work has been methane, as it is a potent GHG with direct economic value and significant uncertainty in its emission levels. A set of case studies will provide examples of and demonstrate the wider impact from methane emission metrology across a range of sectors including waste treatment, agriculture, natural gas distribution networks, oil and gas flaring activities and verification of national emission inventories. Linked research is investigating the potential for the real-time measurement of methane isotopologues to provide methane source attribution information. The longer term goal for this work is to develop the tools to provide measurement-based information on GHG emissions across the full range of spatial and temporal scales supported by the underpinning metrology to ensure the traceability and validity of the data. This integrated system level approach to emission quantification needs to include the quality and uncertainty assessments to ensure the data is fit for the wide range of user purposes.
Topic : Theme 2: Novel GHG concentration and flux methods and sensors.
Reference : T2-C4
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