Evaluating the Role of Hydropower Reservoirs in Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The Role of Hydropower Reservoirs in Greenhouse Gas Emissions (EPRI Product 1017971).  This Technical Report describes the results of two tasks in a multiyear study to assess the importance of carbon cycling and greenhouse
gas (GHG) emissions from U.S.  hydropower reservoirs and their operations.  The risks this issue presents to the U.S. hydropower industry are discussed, and a plan for additional studies to resolve uncertainties is presented.  The key finding was that actual or potential reservoir GHG emissions from the U.S. hydropower industry are indefinite at present.  In order to assess the contribution of U.S. reservoirs to anthropogenic GHG emissions, comprehensive studies involving field measurements and development of predictive models are required.  These studies will be completed via a public-private industry collaboration.  The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is funding the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to design and implement the field studies.  EPRI has initiated a research project that presents an opportunity for the hydropower industry to support and contribute to this collaborative.  For more information, contact Doug Dixon, (804) 642-1025, ddixon@epri.com.