[NMC] Regional Training Boosts Methane Monitoring Capacity: 18–22 August 2025 at ASTAR National Metrology Centre, Singapore

2025-10-13

Regional Training Boosts Methane Monitoring Capacity

18–22 August 2025 at ASTAR National Metrology Centre, Singapore

News from Members - ASTAR National Metrology Centre, Singapore

Interregional Training Course on Air Sampling for Isotopic Analysis of Methane in Air concluded successfully after five intensive days at the A*STAR National Metrology Centre (NMC), Singapore. This training was conducted under the IAEA Technical Cooperation (TC) project INT7020, “Developing Capacity for the Wider Use of Stable Isotope Techniques for Source Attribution of Greenhouse Gases (GHG) in the Atmosphere.” Under this initiative, NMC was appointed by IAEA to establish the Regional Expert Centre for Analysis and Training (RECAT). The RECAT will enhance evidence-based decision-making, assist Member States in building capacity for stable isotope analysis of GHGs and provide tools and expertise to empower governments to take effective climate actions.

This 1st Interregional Training Course was concluded successfully after five intensive days at the NMC from 18 to 22 August 2025, and brought together 25 participants from Southeast Asia, South Asia, East Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and the Pacific.

Led by experts from Switzerland, New Zealand, and the IAEA, the course combined lectures with practical sessions on isotopic techniques for methane source attribution, sampling protocols, data interpretation, and IAEA methodologies aligned with global standards. A key highlight was the field trip, where participants conducted real-world air sampling of greenhouse gases. These sessions allowed participants to directly apply best practices and gain confidence in collecting suitable air samples for isotopic analysis.

Highlights of the training included:

· Strengthening regional capacity for methane source identification.

· Practical exposure to field sampling and understanding of analytical techniques.

· Fostering collaboration between national laboratories, IAEA experts, and global specialists.

· Empowering early-career scientists with direct experience in advanced methodologies.

Looking ahead, NMC and IAEA plan to expand training to cover other greenhouse gases beyond methane and to strengthen regional networks.

This milestone event underscores how measurement science and international cooperation can accelerate capacity building and support evidence-based climate action in the Asia-Pacific and beyond.

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