A Deep Dive on the Global Outlook from Methane Emissions Monitoring in the Oil and Gas Industry, Using Data Insights from Satellites and Aircrafts
Authors: Odunsi Lola , Mueller Matt , Oufy Mamdouh El 
Published: November 2024

This paper examines the impact of satellites in orbit, in relation to methane emissions and net-zero goals. Leveraging insights from global mappers and point source satellites, it elucidates the valuable information obtained and its significance in the O&G industry.

Furthermore, this paper highlights the pioneering efforts of GHGSat in this field, its expansion into CO2 monitoring, along with advancements in quantification, detection threshold, spatial resolution, and the enhancements of its next generation aircraft sensor capabilities.

This manuscript presents insights and data obtained from emissions monitoring satellites, with a focus on their role in mitigating emissions, understanding trends, and solving pertinent industry challenges. Utilizing a sophisticated data analytics Esri-based Arc-GIS platform, SPECTRA, GHGSat generates metrics that provide valuable insights into emissions monitoring. Key techniques employed include wide-area coverage, tip and cueing mechanisms, automation, and innovative processing capabilities to optimize observations and generated plumes. Additionally, statistical data and the distribution of global O&G emissions, with specific attention to case studies from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

This presentation will reveal the critical importance of frequency of observations in the efficacy of emissions monitoring efforts, emphasizing the need for consistent and timely data collection. For example, GHGSat monitored 300% more observations in 2023 and more than 183MTCO2e emissions, 2.3 times increase in Oil and Gas detections, in comparison to 2022. This is attributable to its growing constellation and high spatial resolution of 25m, and detection threshold of 100 kg/hr. The insights provided by emissions monitoring satellites are instrumental in informing mitigation strategies, understanding emissions trends, and addressing industry challenges. Moreover, the involvement of satellite companies and advancements in satellite technology have significantly enhanced GHGSat's ability to monitor and address emissions in the O&G industry. Regulatory compliance and International Frameworks for emission monitoring will also be discussed, and how source level measurements fit into the various scopes. GHGSat's top-down approach and its incorporation of its evergreening aircraft sensor solutions and developments for higher resolution (of less than 1m) and lower detection thresholds (down to 5 kg/hr) will be reviewed.

This study underscores the invaluable contributions of emissions monitoring satellites in advancing sustainability efforts and shaping the future of the O&G industry towards a greener and more sustainable trajectory. GHGSat, a pioneering force in this space, has notably launched 12 satellites between 2016 and 2023, with a significant influx occurring in 2023, and plans to deploy five more satellites starting in 2025. By harnessing the capabilities of satellite and aircraft sensor technologies for onshore and offshore monitoring, the Oil and Gas industry stands poised to make informed decisions, drive sustainable practices, and contribute to global efforts towards emissions reduction and environmental stewardship.