It has engaged a research scientist from an international university to investigate the phenomenon, according to a statement by SEB in the Borneo Post.
It said that Prof Yves Prairie, a global expert in the “Study of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Aquatic Systems”, had been studying the Batang Ai hydroelectric plant’s reservoir since 2014.
The professor is attached full time to the Université du Québec á Montréal, Canada.
According to preliminary findings from Phase 1 of the research study, hydropower reservoirs in Sarawak have low GHG emissions against other fossil fuel power sources.
However, said SEB, “there remains some uncertainties in the reservoir system in terms of CO2 and CH4 production”.
Phase 2 of the research, with a PhD student from the university, “will verify emission patterns from tropical freshwater reservoirs.
“There are very few large-scale GHG studies on tropical reservoirs,” said the SEB statement. “Hence, this ongoing research on tropical reservoirs was crucial.”
SEB said the research would provide them with scientific data that would help them understand the true emission status of tropical reservoirs.
The statement also quoted SEB general manager for research and development, Chen Shiun, as saying the GHG emissions from the Hydropower Reservoir Project was in fact initiated in 2010. “The aim was to quantify GHG emissions from hydropower reservoirs in Sarawak,” he said.
Firstly, the research compares the emission values from reservoirs with those from fossil fuel generation plants such as natural gas and coal.
Secondly, the research also hopes to improve understanding of the biogeochemical processes behind emissions. “That would be useful for designing better hydropower projects,” said Chen.
He pointed out that SEB was pursuing hydropower development to generate power for the state’s growth. Hence, he added, the research initiative was essential.
“It’s aligned to consider the impact our operations have on society, the economy and the environment,” said Chen.
Tropical reservoirs are said to be high emitters of GHGs due to the warm climate.
That drives the decomposition rate of organic matters flooded by a dam’s impoundment. The decomposition leads to the production of CO2 and CH4 within the reservoir.