TNO is working on a satellite instrument that can measure ammonia emissions and dispersion much more accurately than until now. It still does not measure deposition on the ground, but the measurements are approaching something like this.
A spokesperson said this in further explanation. A major advantage of the satellite measuring method over the current measuring with 250 ground stations is that the accuracy of the ammonia concentrations increases from one square kilometer to a circumference of 300 meters. Distribution patterns are also made much more visible, because emission strings can be followed.
Ammonia is responsible for the majority of Dutch nitrogen emissions and deposition. The satellite could be operational in 2025. The proposed measurement method can contribute to the refinement of nitrogen measurements. The result of better measuring is that the effect of measures to reduce nitrogen deposition can be better monitored. This can save costs in the long term, says the research institute.
Better than 250 ground locations
Ammonia (in the air) is now measured at approximately 250 ground locations in the Netherlands. A satellite can determine the emission and spread of ammonia everywhere and much more often with great accuracy. The current Dutch nitrogen policy is based on model results, fed and controlled by measurements. TNO also contributes to the development and application of these models and underlying measurements, but with the satellite measurements the picture becomes much sharper.
The problem with the further development and commissioning of the new satellite is that there is a shortage of money. This requires an estimated one-off amount of €85 million. However, according to TNO, the necessary expenditure will be recouped through the possibility of more targeted measures. Measuring ammonia in measuring networks is technically complicated and, with comparable robustness and geographical coverage as satellite measurements, more expensive.