Photoacoustic Drone Mounted Methane Detection Platform

Strategic Area

Methane and VOC Emissions

Status

Active

Fund

Energy Innovation Program

Year

2025

Agreement Value

$ 2,613,204

Project Total

$ 3,484,275

Location

QC

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NXTSENS Microsystems Inc.

Lead Proponent

NXTSENS Microsystems Inc.

Project Objectives

The objective of this project is to develop a drone-based platform for detecting, quantifying, and source-locating point-source methane emissions from the upstream oil and gas sector. This will serve to more efficiently complete leak detection and repair (LDAR) activities, as well as emission quantification surveys.

Expected Results

This project aims to:

  1. Reduce methane emissions from the upstream oil and gas sector by facilitating comprehensive LDAR programs.
  2. Improve public health and support Canada’s methane emission reduction target of 75% from the oil and gas sector from 2012 levels by 2030.
  3. Enable more comprehensive surveillance and detection of high-elevation methane leaks, addressing a gap in existing ground-level focused leak detection technologies and programs.
  4. Improve transparency and quality of emissions data for energy exports, thereby improving Canada’s competitive advantage on the international market.