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Emissions Tracking GLOBAL EMISSIONS MONITORING FOR OIL AND GAS

  • Writer: Kommu .
    Kommu .
  • 1 day ago
  • 6 min read

GHGSat: Satellite-Based Methane Monitoring for Oil & Gas

GHGSat is a global leader in high-resolution satellite monitoring of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with a particular focus on methane detection for the oil and gas industry. Their technology provides operators, regulators, and governments with actionable data to identify, quantify, and mitigate emissions from both onshore and offshore facilities.

How GHGSat Supports the Oil & Gas Sector

1. High-Resolution Methane Detection

  • GHGSat’s satellite constellation is specifically designed to detect and quantify methane emissions from point sources as small as individual oil and gas wells, with spatial resolution as fine as 25 meters45.

  • The satellites use advanced hyperspectral imaging spectrometers operating in the short-wave infrared (SWIR) range to provide precise measurements of methane concentrations over targeted areas45.

2. Global Coverage and Frequent Monitoring

  • With a growing fleet (12+ satellites as of late 2023, expanding to 16 in 2024), GHGSat offers global coverage and near-daily revisit rates, enabling the monitoring of hundreds of thousands of potentially emitting sites worldwide45.

  • This capability allows for the rapid identification of fugitive emissions, persistent leaks, and "super-emitters" across vast and remote oil and gas operations34.

3. Actionable Insights and Emissions Reduction

  • GHGSat notifies oil and gas operators when leaks are detected, supporting timely interventions and repairs367.

  • Continuous monitoring enables operators to track the effectiveness of mitigation efforts and verify emissions reductions after repairs are made36.

  • The data is also used to benchmark performance, comply with regulatory requirements, and support voluntary emissions reduction initiatives such as the Global Methane Pledge24.

4. Cost-Effective and Safe Monitoring

  • Satellite-based monitoring is less costly and less risky than extensive ground-based measurement campaigns, especially for widespread or hard-to-access assets36.

  • GHGSat’s technology complements traditional monitoring methods, providing a multi-tiered approach to emissions management27.

5. Integration with Industry Initiatives

  • GHGSat collaborates with major oil and gas companies (e.g., Aramco, OGCI members) and industry alliances to support net-zero ambitions and accelerate methane abatement27.

  • Pilot projects have demonstrated that satellite data, combined with operator engagement, can drive significant and cost-effective methane reductions at oilfields worldwide7.

Key Benefits for Oil & Gas Operators

  • Pinpoint leaks quickly and accurately for rapid response

  • Monitor emissions over time to track progress and compliance

  • Reduce operational and regulatory risk with independent, third-party data

  • Lower monitoring costs by reducing the need for frequent site visits

  • Support ESG and climate commitments with transparent, verifiable data

Industry Impact

GHGSat’s satellite monitoring is transforming methane management in oil and gas by providing unprecedented visibility and accountability. As methane is over 80 times more potent than CO₂ over a 20-year period, rapid detection and mitigation are critical for both climate goals and operational efficiency45.

“Satellite-based emissions monitoring is a cost-effective tool that can help operators deliver tangible reductions in methane emissions from oil and gas facilities.”GHGSat CEO Stephane Germain7

Emissions Tracking

GLOBAL EMISSIONS MONITORING FOR OIL AND GAS

Global emissions monitoring for oil & gas facilities. Detect, monitor, and measure methane emissions from oil and gas assets such as gas plants, well pads, and compression stations. GHGSat's emissions data technology accurately identifies methane gas emission sources to individual facilities from unlit flares to open thief hatches, supporting leak detection and repair (LDAR) activities, production operations and environmental reporting.

Avoid air quality issues by monitoring your assets and keeping methane in the sales line, not vented to the atmosphere.

  1. Benefits of Satellite Measurements

    What we do for you

    REDUCE RISK - Trustworthy data at your fingertips, so you can plan maintenance, reduce emissions, maintain production and mitigate on-location personal risk.

    SAVE TIME - Frequent, year-round, accurate monitoring of assets, with customized, actionable emissions intelligence, supporting decision-making and rapid response.

    LOWER COSTS - Emissions intelligence for predictive risk assessment and accurate gas emissions measurement, optimize LDAR activity for wells, compressor stations, pipelines and LNG terminals.

    OPTIMIZE RESOURCING - Keep assets working and allocate personnel to value-added activities; minimize loss of product, transit between assets, maintenance, and downtime.

    VERIFY COMPLIANCE - Accurate, verifiable data for due diligence, keeps your business compliant with regulations and supports environmental reporting.

    HEALTH & SAFETY - Safest method to monitor emissions at the facility level; no access to sites needed.

  2. Aircraft Monitoring

    What we do for you

    Our proprietary satellite technology adapted to aircraft methane emissions monitoring accurately detects and measures methane emissions to individual sources. Our instrument, GHGSat-AV, can operate at different altitudes, trading spatial resolution for coverage to meet the specific survey requirements of our clients. Our experts are on hand to show you more measurement results from previous AV campaigns like this one from an oil & gas site in the Delaware Basin in the United States.


Data intelligence today

Global Emissions Monitoring

  1. 100k+

    observations and growing every hour with our custom satellite fleet.

  2. 25

    a combination of high-resolution and low detection threshold down to ~25m.

  3. 12

    satellites in orbit and more to come.

  4. DATA.SAT

    • Industry-leading proprietary sensor that delivers unrivalled detection capabilities.

    • Two operational satellites, with three going up in 2022 and 7 more satellites ordered for 2023.

    • Precision greenhouse gas emissions data for every global asset.

    • Reliable, consistent, persistent and safe methane mapping.

  5. DATA.AIR

    • Same proprietary sensor for detecting greenhouse gases as satellites.

    • Safe operating altitudes up to 3000m (10,000 ft above ground level).

    • Responsive, targeted, and flexible greenhouse gas emissions monitoring campaigns.

    • Detailed, localized methane emissions intelligence for quick response.

  6. Emission Analytics

    • Emission analytics combines our high-resolution emissions data with 3rd party datasets and our advanced algorithms to deliver actionable emissions intelligence.

    • Uncover methane mitigation opportunities and reduce emissions.

    • Access and analyze trends as well as emission patterns to better inform business decisions and streamline operations.

    • ESRI-based and flexible delivery platform.

  7. GHGSat Supports Cheniere Energy in R&D Collaborative Project

    GHGSat, a leader in high-resolution greenhouse gas monitoring from space, is proud to support Cheniere Energy - the largest producer of liquefied natural gas in the US - in its latest collaborative project, alongside other emission monitoring technology providers.

  8. Case Study: Blind Controlled Release with TotalEnergies

    In partnership with TotalEnergies, GHGSat participated in a blind-controlled release test on October 29, 2020, using their TADI experimental platform, located at the Lacq site in France. The precise test location and release amount were controlled by TotalEnergies and not shared with GHGSat.

  9. Satellite Measurement of Methane Emissions from Offshore Sources

    GHGSat today announced a new research project to assess the feasibility of its space-based methane monitoring technology to measure emissions from offshore oil and gas platforms. Chevron, Shell, and TotalEnergies are supporting the 12-month research project.

  10. GHGSat Supports Cheniere Energy in R&D Collaborative Project

    GHGSat, a leader in high-resolution greenhouse gas monitoring from space, is proud to support Cheniere Energy - the largest producer of liquefied natural gas in the US - in its latest collaborative project, alongside other emission monitoring technology providers.

  11. Case Study: Blind Controlled Release with TotalEnergies

    In partnership with TotalEnergies, GHGSat participated in a blind-controlled release test on October 29, 2020, using their TADI experimental platform, located at the Lacq site in France. The precise test location and release amount were controlled by TotalEnergies and not shared with GHGSat.

  12. GHGSat Supports Cheniere Energy in R&D Collaborative Project

    GHGSat, a leader in high-resolution greenhouse gas monitoring from space, is proud to support Cheniere Energy - the largest producer of liquefied natural gas in the US - in its latest collaborative project, alongside other emission monitoring technology providers.

  13. Case Study: Blind Controlled Release with TotalEnergies

    In partnership with TotalEnergies, GHGSat participated in a blind-controlled release test on October 29, 2020, using their TADI experimental platform, located at the Lacq site in France. The precise test location and release amount were controlled by TotalEnergies and not shared with GHGSat.

  14. Satellite Measurement of Methane Emissions from Offshore Sources

    GHGSat today announced a new research project to assess the feasibility of its space-based methane monitoring technology to measure emissions from offshore oil and gas platforms. Chevron, Shell, and TotalEnergies are supporting the 12-month research project.

  15. GHGSat Supports Cheniere Energy in R&D Collaborative Project

    GHGSat, a leader in high-resolution greenhouse gas monitoring from space, is proud to support Cheniere Energy - the largest producer of liquefied natural gas in the US - in its latest collaborative project, alongside other emission monitoring technology providers.

  16. Case Study: Blind Controlled Release with TotalEnergies

    In partnership with TotalEnergies, GHGSat participated in a blind-controlled release test on October 29, 2020, using their TADI experimental platform, located at the Lacq site in France. The precise test location and release amount were controlled by TotalEnergies and not shared with GHGSat.

Meet your Emission Reduction Targets

Lower your Carbon Intensity

GHGSat methane leak detection technology is changing the way we see and measure greenhouse gas emissions. It’s only by knowing what’s actually happening that organizations can take decisive action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.


In summary:GHGSat empowers the oil and gas industry with advanced satellite technology to detect, quantify, and reduce methane emissions, supporting both regulatory compliance and climate action while enhancing operational efficiency and safety23457.

Citations:

  1. https://www.ghgsat.com/en/markets/oil-gas/

  2. https://worldoil.com/news/2025/1/30/aramco-ghgsat-to-develop-satellites-for-methane-emissions-reduction/

  3. https://www.globalmethane.org/challenge/ghgsat.html

  4. https://earth.esa.int/eogateway/missions/ghgsat/description

  5. https://earth.esa.int/eogateway/missions/ghgsat

  6. https://globalmethane.org/challenge/ghgsat.html

  7. https://www.ogci.com/news/ghgsat-satellite-monitoring-project-in-iraq-helps-tackle-methane-emissions-at-oil-fields

  8. https://www.ghgsat.com/en/markets/oil-gas/

  9. https://www.ghgsat.com/en/

  10. https://publishing.insead.edu/case/ghgsat-and-global-market-monitoring-greenhouse-gas-emissions-2024

  11. https://www.aramco.com/en/sustainability/climate-and-energy/managing-our-footprint/ghg-emissions-management-program

  12. https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1029/2023JD039906

  13. https://database.eohandbook.com/ghg/

  14. https://www.ibisworld.com/global/market-size/global-oil-gas-exploration-production/190/

  15. https://www.ogci.com/methane-emissions/satellite-monitoring-campaign

  16. https://www.wastedive.com/news/landfill-methane-satellites-ghgsat-carbon-mapper-launch/734953/

  17. https://www.ghgsat.com/en/technology/

  18. https://www.ghgsat.com/en/learn-more/

  19. https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-11/documents/18.germain_2017aiw.pdf

  20. https://amt.copernicus.org/articles/17/863/2024/

  21. https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/blog/2024/05/29/satellite-solution-detecting-methane-emissions-offshore.asp

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