Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, contributing significantly to climate change. In fact, it traps 80 times more heat than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period, accounting for roughly 30% of global climate change since pre-industrial times (UN Environment Programme). Given its environmental impact, consistent and frequent monitoring of methane emissions is needed to take effective action to reduce emissions [ref]. Given how much it contributes to global warming, it’s clear why we need to keep a close eye on methane emissions, especially when it comes to industrial operations. So, why is monitoring methane emissions so important, and why does it matter that it’s frequent and consistent?
What is methane emissions monitoring?
Simply put, methane emissions monitoring is the process of tracking methane as it’s released into the atmosphere. This is crucial for tackling climate change, as reducing methane emissions is one of the quickest ways we can slow global warming. Traditionally, methane has been tricky to monitor, but technology has evolved, making it possible to detect emissions from space. Remote sensing of methane emissions from space offers an opportunity to greatly advance the world’s understanding of the impact on mitigation actions.
GHGSat is the only commercial company that has developed a sensor that is precise enough to attribute emissions to individual facilities. By tasking our satellite constellation to industrial facilities, we have detected and quantified methane emissions from significant super-emitting events across the globe.
Frequent monitoring brings two major benefits:
- Identifying Weak Points in Emissions Systems:
Frequent monitoring not only detects methane emissions but also reveals areas where monitoring systems can be improved. By identifying emission hotspots or inefficiencies in operations, companies can refine their processes, optimize emissions management, and implement more effective mitigation strategies. - Staying Ahead of Regulations:
Regular monitoring enables industries to stay within regulatory limits by providing a clear picture of emissions over time. Whether in the oil and gas sector, waste management, or manufacturing, frequent emissions data ensures that companies can take proactive measures to avoid regulatory violations and contribute to global emissions reduction efforts.
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How GHGSat Supports Effective Methane Monitoring
With pioneering sensor innovation, GHGSat is at the forefront of methane emissions detection technology. Our satellite constellation makes it possible to locate individual sources and detect ever smaller emissions. By merging multiple sources of light, GHGSat’s satellites measure and pinpoint emissions to industrial sites worldwide.
Doubling our measurement capacity to 12 satellites in 2023 was transformational in many ways. With increased coverage and more frequent revisits, our proven technology measured more emissions in 2024 than the previous 6 years combined, uncovering opportunities for industrial methane emissions reduction. By the end of 2026, we will launch an additional 9 sensors for greenhouse gas emissions monitoring. Demand for accurate emissions data is growing. Frequent, timely, and accurate data enables tangible action towards measurable reductions in emissions.
Our constellation of satellites circles the Earth in a sun-synchronous polar orbit at around 500 km above the surface of the Earth. A polar orbit is where each satellite travels in a north-to-south pattern, passing over or near the Earth’s poles, taking approximately 90 minutes for a full rotation of the planet. Sun-synchronous means the satellites are synchronized to be in a fixed position relative to the sun. This means that the satellite operates in almost consistent light each time it’s overhead, and this is critical for satellites that image the Earth using infrared wavelengths. This consistency enables GHGSat to compare observations of the same location in order to analyze any changes.
GHGSat offers year-round monitoring of methane emissions with its commercial satellite constellation. The high-resolution satellite data identifies point sources of methane emissions down to individual facilities worldwide. This proprietary satellite technology has also been adapted to aircraft in order to accurately detect and measure methane emissions from individual sources.
As a pioneer in the industry, GHGSat recognized that accurate data on emissions is the biggest challenge for industries and has significantly improved emissions information by enabling industries to better measure, control, and ultimately reduce methane emissions.
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The Benefits of Frequent and Consistent Methane Monitoring with GHGSat
Frequent and consistent monitoring of methane using GHGSat’s satellite technology enables an “apples-to-apples” comparison of methane emissions across different regions, countries, and continents, allowing operators to track changes over time and identify trends.
Here’s how GHGSat’s approach benefits operators:
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Standardized Technology: GHGSat utilizes standardized methane detection sensors and measurement methodologies across our satellite fleet. This ensures consistent and reliable data collection, enabling a uniform approach to methane monitoring
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Wide Coverage: Our satellites have the ability to measure sites worldwide, providing a broad scope of methane monitoring. Operators can monitor methane emissions from various individual sources, whether they are spread wide within a region or located in different countries and continents
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Regular Monitoring: Our growing constellation of satellites offers frequent monitoring capabilities, providing operators with a frequent and up-to-date assessment of methane emissions. This regular monitoring allows for accurate tracking of changes in emissions over time
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Comparative Analysis: By utilizing GHGSat’s satellite technology, operators can compare methane emissions across different regions and countries on a consistent basis. The standardized approach ensures that the collected data is directly comparable, enabling operators to identify trends, hotspots, and areas for improvement.
Our frequent and consistent satellite monitoring of methane emissions allows operators to compare and analyze emissions data across regions, countries, and continents using the same technology consistently. This helps to standardize measurements and facilitate meaningful comparisons in the fight against climate change.
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GHGSat Products and Services
The services and products we offer include:
DATA.SAT: Our commercial satellite constellation from space identifies point sources of methane emissions down to the individual facility. This technology provides accurate detection, measurement and year-round monitoring of methane emissions. The GHGSat satellites provide consistent and reliable intelligence on methane emissions data to organizations, governments and financial services worldwide.
DATA.AIR: Our satellite technology has been adapted to aircraft and accurately detects and measures methane emissions right to the individual source. GHGSat airborne methane emissions monitoring technology, accurately detects and measures methane emissions to individual sources. It is a cost-effective and safe alternative to frequent ground-based monitoring operations.
Global Survey: Leverage third-party and public satellite data near industrial sites. Be the first to know if monitored facilities are emitting methane detectable by public satellites with GHGSat’s Global Survey service.
SPECTRA: Measuring and managing methane emissions requires a fully integrated view of your data. SPECTRA centralizes all of GHGSat’s products and services into a clean and intuitive interface to allow for easy emissions data management and communication.
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How GHGSat can help your business
By measuring methane emissions with GHGSat, businesses are able to better manage emissions and do their part in fighting climate change. Accurate and reliable emissions data help businesses with their operational value chain while upholding regulatory standards. It also allows businesses and industries to operate in a secure and healthy environment, while meeting sustainability goals, ESG reporting and disclosures. The tracking and reporting of emissions also helps increase transparency to investors, shareholders and clients while increasing production efficiency and lowering methane intensity.
Discover the power of satellite data to accurately track your emissions from anywhere in the world, with GHGSat.
