Greenhouse Gas Emissions Could Soon Be Measured on Individual Farms Using Next Generation Mobile Phone Network

Greenhouse gas emissions from individual dairy farms could soon be measured using AI technology which works by using the next generation mobile phone network.

Researchers at the Walton Institute at South East Technological University (SETU) in Co Waterford, have identified higher frequency ranges – that are being considered for 6G communication – which are absorbed by specific gases in the atmosphere.

The researchers have designed machine-learning algorithms that could be integrated into wireless communication infrastructure to measure gas concentrations in the atmosphere on the basic principle that higher concentrations of certain gases lead to higher absorption of wireless signals at specific wireless frequencies.

Greenhouse gases, notably methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) in dairy farming, are significant contributors to Ireland’s overall emissions, and the agriculture sector has been set a target of reducing those emissions by 25% by 2030 as part of Ireland’s Climate Action Plan. The new research from the Walton Institute has the potential to measure these gases and therefore the effect of different farming practices on their production, localised to farm level and even individual pasture level.

The research – which is being carried out by PhD candidate Mr Lasantha Thakshila Wedage under the supervision of Dr Bernard Butler in the Emerging Networks Laboratory in the Walton Institute – is sponsored by VistaMilk SFI Research Centre through its Targeted Project with Verkot from Finland.

Thakshila Wedage explained: “It’s well-known that human activity has increased the atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide.

“Each gas has its own ‘fingerprint’ – an absorption profile that is unique for each gas over higher frequency ranges on the 6G wireless communications network. Our algorithms work by measuring the absorption profile of wireless signals passing through the atmosphere (a mixture of gases) and using the known absorption profile of each gas to estimate its concentration.

“This means that individual gases could be monitored in real time – providing farmers with information about how their farm is performing and allowing them to see the results of the specific actions they are taking to support the Irish dairy industry’s drive to reduce its climate impact. “

Dr. Butler added: “Furthermore, such a monitoring network could be deployed at relatively little additional cost, as the telecom companies upgrade their network infrastructure to support ever increasing demand.

“Indeed, this proposed development offers scope for new partnerships between farmers, telecommunication companies and civil society, responding to the pressing need to control greenhouse gas emissions and meet Ireland’s climate change obligations.”