Satellite‐Based Surveys Reveal Substantial Methane Point‐Source Emissions in Major Oil & Gas Basins of North America During 2022–2023

Abstract

AbstractUtilizing imaging spectroscopy technology to identify methane super‐emitters plays a vital role in mitigating methane emissions in the Oil & Gas (O&G) sector. While earlier research has uncovered significant point‐source methane emissions from O&G production in the US and Canada, which are key regions with large methane emissions, a comprehensive post‐COVID‐19 survey has been notably absent. Here, we perform a detailed survey of methane super‐emitters across multiple basins of North America (Marcellus Shale, Haynesville/Bossier Shale, Permian Basin and Montney Shale) using the new Chinese Gaofen5‐01A/02 (GF5‐01A/02) satellite measurements during 2022–2023. We detect 139 individual methane plumes emanating from 122 point sources, with flux rates ranging from 519 to 16,071 kg hr−1. These emissions exhibit a highly skewed and heavy‐tailed distribution, constituting approximately 23% of the flux inversion with TROPOMI in the sample region, with a range of 13%–40%. Moreover, we observe a 66.7% reduction in methane emissions in Permian Basin during COVID‐19, followed by fluctuations until spring 2023. By summer 2023, methane emissions rebound to twice their previous magnitude (1.68 ± 0.58 Tg a−1). Using these point‐source surveys, we further quantify a regional methane emission of 2.69 ± 0.86 Tg a−1 in Permian Basin. This estimation closely aligns with top‐down inversions (2.22 ± 0.40 Tg a−1) from TROPOMI. The upscale estimation underscores the effectiveness of high‐resolution remote sensing measurements in improving bottom‐up emissions inventories and refining regional methane emission assessments. Our results highlight the potential climate benefits derived from regular monitoring and specific remediation efforts focused on relatively few strong point‐source emissions.