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Project title

Research specialist for Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and sinks

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG)

Lead Applicant

Phillip O'Brien

Project Abstract

Six research issues are identified in the specification document.1.GHG emissions inventory development and meeting UNFCCC reporting requirements. The UNFCCC perform a desk review of the National Inventory Report (NIR) procedure annually, with more in-depth reviews every 3-5 years. It is important to respond to issues arising from these reviews as a matter of priority. Progress should also be driven by national analysis and debate. Formal tools for prioritizing research will be developed. Internal review mechanisms will ensure that new and existing methodologies in each sector are consistent with the overall emissions inventory. 2.Emission from key sectors. Certain key sources continue to be estimated using Tier 1 methodology. These include Energy 1.A.2 Manufacturing Industries and Construction and 1.A.4 Other Sectors, and emissions from Agric. 4.B Manure Management and 4.D Agricultural Soils. It is proposed to incorporate recent research into the inventory procedures raising analysis to Tier 2 or 3. Carbon sinks and LULUCF. Much of the LULUCF sector is estimated using the Tier 1 approach for the NIR. Recent EPA funded research suggests that modern farm management practices tend to enhance carbon uptake in grazed improved grasslands which differs from the default IPCC analysis. Also, there is strong evidence Irish conditions lead to a carbon sink on afforested mineral soils. 4.Large emissions sources and technologies for emissions abatement. In certain cases emissions from individual facilities are significant on a national scale., particularly in the Energy and Industrial sectors. It is important that emissions abatement measures properly reflected in the emissions inventory. 5. Modelling of GHG emissions and projections development. In developing emissions projections, there must be consistency between the data across the different sectors. Consensus among stakeholders over a range of possible scenarios as to the future of the Irish economy should be sought. These data should be available in a format consistent with the existing emissions inventory methodologies. 6. Development of decision support tools in relation to mitigation options. Emissions modelling should be developed on variety of scales, from the national to the individual farm, facility or household scale. Existing tools which might be modified to reflect Irish conditions and lifestyle include. the carbon footprint concept. Upscaling to a national value is challenging in terms of attribution of reductions of GHG emissions to specific mitigation options. Additional activity data beyond that required for national emissions inventory reporting is required.

Grant Approved

�147,815.00

Research Hub

Climate Change

Research Theme

Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Sinks, and Management Systems

Start Date

01/01/2008

Initial Projected Completion Date

01/01/2011