Application of Remote Sensing Techniques to Detect Methane Emissions from the Oil and Gas Sector to Assist Operators with Sustainability Efforts

Abstract

Abstract The general concept of sustainability lies in the vision that incorporates the economic, social, and environmental dimensions. The energy sector has been addressed as one of the main contributors to emissions of anthropogenic greenhouse gases. Therefore, sustainability in the oil and gas (O&G) industry is mainly associated with the advancement in environmental and social performance across the industry. Individual firms, particularly those belonging to the O&G sector, are now assessed for their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance and their impact on climate change. To meet the different key performance indicators (KPIs) for corporate social responsibility (CSR) and ESG, the planning, development, and operation of O&G infrastructure must be conducted in an environmentally responsible. This paper discusses how methane detection of O&G infrastructure using remote sensing technologies enables operators to detect, quantify, and minimize the emissions while gaining insights and understanding of their operations via data analytics products. The remote sensing platforms accounted are satellite and aerial operating in tandem with data analytics to support sustainability initiatives and ESG metrics. This paper presents examples of measurements at O&G sites taken with GHGSat's satellites and aircraft platforms, showing evidence of methane emissions. A discussion of each platform and how they work together is presented. In addition, this paper discusses how these data can be used to achieve sustainability goals and tools for ESG initiatives through analytical models.