Using a satellite-aircraft hybrid system based on the same sensor to monitor oil and gas facilities for methane emissions

Abstract

Monitoring methane emissions from oil and gas facilities requires the combination of several technologies to gain a full understanding of the challenge at a manageable cost. The integration of frequent and affordable high resolution satellite measurements to find the larger leaks with less frequent, but more expensive, aerial surveys, forms the basis of a tiered monitoring system showing great promise to optimise leak detection and repair activities. In this extended abstract, examples of methane emissions measurements from controlled releases and at oil and gas facilities acquired with both GHGSat’s second satellite, Iris (launched in September 2020) and the airborne variant of the same sensor are presented. While the combination of different technologies is not uncommon, this system is the first in the world utilising the same sensor at two different altitudes. The performance parameters of each system are highlighted and supported with recent examples. In addition, the advantages of the hybrid system will be discussed, including the opportunity for cross-validation of measurements. Finally, the potential of such a system to be used for regulatory reporting purposes will be discussed and contrasted to the standard of performing optical gas imaging camera campaigns three times a year used in some jurisdictions, notably in Canada and the United States.