GHGSat uses remote sensing high-resolution satellite technology to detect and measure methane emissions, a major greenhouse gas. Monitoring for accurate and frequent measurement of methane emissions from industrial sites provides valuable information that is designed to help companies identify methane sources and take strategic action to mitigate and reduce emissions from their facilities.
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Why large quantities of methane are a problem
Methane, also known as CH4, is the primary component of natural gas and is a potent greenhouse gas or GHG. When greenhouse gases escape into the Earth’s atmosphere, they act as a blanket insulating the planet, absorbing energy and slowing the rate at which heat exits the Earth. When it comes to methane, this energy is greatly absorbed. This is known as the greenhouse effect, and without it, the planet’s temperature would fall below freezing. However, with the increase in greenhouse gas emissions due to human activities, the greenhouse effect has become stronger and is now contributing to global warming at an alarming rate.
Second to major greenhouse gas carbon dioxide or CO2, methane is short-lived but plays a significant role in warming the planet. In fact, methane is 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period [ref].
Methane also contributes to decreasing air quality and the formation of the ozone layer. Ultimately, by reducing the amount of methane produced, we are able to lessen the above-mentioned effects. By focusing on human-made methane emissions and methane production, we are able to reduce the rate of global warming considerably [ref].
As the global leader in remote sensing of greenhouse gas from space, an approach it pioneered, GHGSat satellites offer frequent, year-round and accurate monitoring of assets around the world to support decision-making for industrial methane emission mitigation strategies.
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Methane leak detection technology
GHGSat’s imaging technology and patented interferometer is changing how we can measure methane emissions. GHGSat’s sensor – the interferometer – uses the science of spectroscopy to identify unique wavelengths of different greenhouse gases allowing us to measure and accurately pinpoint industrial methane emissions from individual facilities worldwide. This satellite sensing technology has also been adapted by GHGSat for aircraft use, allowing it to offer both global emission monitoring and localized monitoring.
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Satellites enhancing and supporting leak detection and repair (LDAR)
GHGSat satellites accurately attribute methane gas emission sources to individual facilities, supporting all methane leak detection and repair (LDAR) programs. Accurately identifying and quantifying source emissions allow for effective maintenance of methane leaks to reduce emissions.
In some cases, equipment is spread across vast regions or can be difficult to access for ground repair crews, leading to these areas being rarely monitored for methane leaks. GHGSat satellites offer methane monitoring to facilities where leaks can quickly go undetected. Depending on the source, emission leaks can be persistent or intermittent, making frequent monitoring necessary. This ability to detect and measure methane emissions from space allows for these leaks to be identified and repaired quickly, helping companies reduce their environmental impact significantly and do their part in the fight against climate change.
Our satellite technology has also been adapted to aircraft and accurately detects and measures methane emissions right to the individual source and is ideal for monitoring remote areas. GHGSat airborne monitoring technology accurately detects and measures methane emissions to individual sources, with a ~10 kg/hr detection threshold. It is a cost-effective and safe alternative to frequent ground-based monitoring operations.
Through SPECTRA, GHGSat’s emissions intelligence platform, clients are provided with simple-to-access emissions data to review their emissions metrics, looking at hotspots, trends and emission benchmarks, making it possible to drill down to individual facilities to support their leak detection and repair (LDAR) programs.
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GHGSat’s methane emissions calculator
Different units are used to discuss methane emissions around the world. These can vary by industry or region, making it more challenging to properly communicate what is observed and the reduction potential. To support the drive for transparency in greenhouse gas emissions, GHGSat has developed a Methane Emissions Calculator. This tool quickly handles the most common conversion, making it easier to understand and calibrate emissions measurements.
GHGSat’s Methane Conversion Calculator can convert methane emission rates in different masses, volumes, and durations to facilitate effective communications regarding methane emissions.
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How GHGSat can help your business
GHGSat offers remote sensing technology to monitor methane greenhouse gas emissions from anywhere in the world. With advanced and innovative emission monitoring solutions, GHGSat provides its clients with actionable metrics and insights critical to environmental, operational and financial decision-making.
GHGSat’s DATA.SAT service delivers high-resolution data to identify point sources of emissions to individual facilities from a ground-breaking satellite constellation. This emission intelligence empowers carbon-intensive industries to achieve their emission reduction goals. GHGSat’s precision emissions intelligence service analyzes trends and emission patterns to better inform business decisions, streamline operations and uncover mitigation opportunities.
With this technology, businesses are able to gain access to key emissions metrics and identify indicators of emissions around target facilities, making way for faster decision-making to reduce these emissions. By monitoring and analyzing for patterns, businesses are also able to anticipate locations that are at higher risks of leaks and benchmark performance.
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With our emission monitoring, we are proud to empower the greenhouse gas and carbon-intensive industries, as well as governments, in order to achieve their emission reduction goals.
