Methane is a potent greenhouse gas which can escape from many regulated and unregulated sources. Measuring the total amount of methane released is challenging, which means that emissions estimates can be very uncertain.
Dispersion modelling is commonly used to calculate air pollutant concentrations based on defined emissions rates. Inverse dispersion modelling works backwards, using a measured concentration to predict the source emission rate. AQC worked alongside Cambridge Environmental Research Consultants to investigate a range of inverse modelling approaches which could be used.
This project has shown how ambient air quality measurements can be used to calculate methane emissions. The approaches recommended in the study have the potential to significantly improve estimates of methane emissions from a variety of sources. This, in turn, could allow much better controls to be implemented to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The report is available here: Quantifying methane emissions using inverse dispersion modelling: summary - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
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