Field pilot of GHGSat's satellite-aircraft hybrid system in the BC Montney

Lead Proponent

GHGSat Inc.

Project Background

The objective of this project was to demonstrate that GHGSat’s satellite-aircraft hybrid system provides equivalent annual methane leak mitigation compared to optical gas imaging (OGI) surveys, while detecting big leaks at least three times faster, all at a 25% lower cost to operators.

The project conducted a field pilot of GHGSat’s satellite-aircraft hybrid system in the Montney shale play region of British Columbia. The proponent executed the field pilot with a new satellite incorporating latest technological advances, then analyzed and reported results of the field pilot.

Results

The project successfully implemented GHGSat’s system involving satellite and airborne instruments and deployed it at scale to monitor methane emissions from the oil and gas industry in Canada’s Montney region.

Analysis of numerous controlled releases verifying the performance of the two satellites and the aircraft, coupled with the numerous methane emission sources detected as a result of commercial deployment of GHGSat’s satellite technology in North America and throughout the world, indicated that the novel methodology incorporating satellite measurements into leak detection and repair (LDAR) systems can significantly decrease LDAR costs in areas where emissions intensities match satellite detection limits.

This technology has the potential to be deployed globally as a cost-effective alternative to traditional LDAR approaches. As of 2025, GHGSat has rapidly expanded commercially, partnering with some of the world’s largest energy companies to make tangible impact in reducing emissions.

Environmental Benefits: Reduction of methane emissions from oil and gas installations through detection and measurement.