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Australian Energy Producers Journal Australian Energy Producers Journal Society
Journal of Australian Energy Producers
RESEARCH ARTICLE (Non peer reviewed)

A satellite constellation dedicated to frequently monitor methane emissions from oil and gas facilities around the world

Lola Odunsi A *
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A GHGSat Inc, London, UK.




Lola Odunsi works for GHGSat as an International Sales Director, with focus on the Oil and Gas Industry. GHGSat designs and utilises its unique high-resolution satellites and its analytics applications, in conjunction with other systems, to detect, measure and monitor greenhouse gas emissions. During her 22 years in the Oil and Gas Industry, Lola has filled a variety of roles, in Geoscience and Digital based operations, Account Management, Sales and Business Development with companies including ION, Paradigm and Schlumberger. She is a strategic advisor in the energy sector to independent, national and multinational companies and regulators in developing optimised solutions that accelerate their de-carbonisation plans. Lola holds a BEng in Engineering Geology from University of Portsmouth and an MSc/DIC in Petroleum Geoscience from Imperial College London.

* Correspondence to: lodunsi@ghgsat.com

Australian Energy Producers Journal 64 S181-S185 https://doi.org/10.1071/EP23153
Accepted: 5 April 2024  Published: 16 May 2024

© 2024 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing on behalf of Australian Energy Producers.

Abstract

This paper discusses GHGSat’s pioneering operating satellites dedicated to high-resolution measurements of methane emissions. We demonstrate their role as an integral part of an emissions intensity improvement strategy. The instrument on board each satellite uses spectroscopy principles to detect and quantify methane emissions, exhibiting a spatial resolution of less than 30 m. A discussion on how this constellation can be used as a key system in the mitigation of emissions is presented. Results reflect observations taken with GHGSat’s satellites. Recent examples of oil and gas emitting facilities around the world are shown followed by how this constellation can serve three objectives: (1) emissions mitigation; (2) regulatory compliance; and (3) a system to achieve voluntary efforts such as OGMP 2.0. The intention is to show that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but that the use of a satellite constellation is a complimentary and efficient way of monitoring for large leaks with increased frequency. This paper also reviews GHGSat’s top-down approach through its aircraft sensor technology as another solution for monitoring smaller leaks. Mitigation success stories are discussed providing opportunities for achievement of regulatory certifications in regions like the United States, Australia and Iraq. The resulting datasets are integrated into GHGSat’s ESRI ArcGIS-based portal, SPECTRA, to facilitate the interpretation of its high-resolution measurements, giving further insights through the available analytics layers. This platform provides situational awareness of methane emissions to operators, creating opportunities for mitigation.

Keywords: constellation, emissions, leaks, liquefied natural gas, methane, OGMP2.0, satellite.

Biographies

EP23153_B1.gif

Lola Odunsi works for GHGSat as an International Sales Director, with focus on the Oil and Gas Industry. GHGSat designs and utilises its unique high-resolution satellites and its analytics applications, in conjunction with other systems, to detect, measure and monitor greenhouse gas emissions. During her 22 years in the Oil and Gas Industry, Lola has filled a variety of roles, in Geoscience and Digital based operations, Account Management, Sales and Business Development with companies including ION, Paradigm and Schlumberger. She is a strategic advisor in the energy sector to independent, national and multinational companies and regulators in developing optimised solutions that accelerate their de-carbonisation plans. Lola holds a BEng in Engineering Geology from University of Portsmouth and an MSc/DIC in Petroleum Geoscience from Imperial College London.

References

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