How can methane emissions be accurately measured to support emissions reduction, operational performance and climate goals?
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas and reducing methane emissions is widely recognised as one of the fastest opportunities to slow the pace of climate change. However, accurately identifying, locating and quantifying methane emissions remains a significant challenge across industries including natural gas production, agriculture, waste management, water treatment and mining.
To help address this challenge, researchers at the Gas & Energy Transition Research Centre co-developed an advanced methane monitoring system with technology partner QLM Technology that can safely identify, visualise and quantify methane emissions in real time. This allows users to capture highly accurate local-scale measurements that complement satellite and aerial monitoring approaches.
The LiDAR system uses tuneable laser spectroscopy and a quantum single-photon detector to measure the three-dimensional distribution of methane in the atmosphere. The system is capable of continuous autonomous operation, enabling methane plumes to be detected and monitored around the clock in a range of environmental conditions, including daylight, darkness, wind and rain.
Since the system's adoption, researchers have undertaken controlled-release trials and field deployments in a range of scenarios (and industries) to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of the technology under a variety of operating conditions. These studies have demonstrated the system's capacity to identify methane sources, visualise plume behaviour and estimate emission rates with a level of detail not available through many conventional monitoring techniques.
By capturing continuous observations rather than isolated snapshots, the project provides insights into emission behaviour that can help industry and regulators better assess mitigation opportunities and evaluate the effectiveness of emissions reduction measures.
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