Carbon Mapper reports initial methane mitigation success from Tanager-1 satellite

Carbon Mapper reports initial methane mitigation success from Tanager-1 satellite
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Nov 16, 2024

Carbon Mapper has shared data on more than 300 methane and CO2 plume detections, representing the first wave of findings from its Tanager-1 satellite launched in August. Developed by Planet Labs PBC and supported by the Carbon Mapper Coalition - a public-private initiative that includes Planet Labs and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory - Tanager-1 provides detailed emissions tracking, enabling targeted efforts to reduce greenhouse gases. This data release already includes a significant success story of emissions mitigation.

On October 9, the satellite identified a major methane plume in the Texas Permian Basin, traced back to a gathering pipeline. Carbon Mapper alerted relevant state and federal authorities, who informed the operator. Immediate voluntary repairs were made, leading to the elimination of the leak. Subsequent satellite checks verified the absence of the methane plume.

Initial estimates from Carbon Mapper indicated the leak was releasing about 7,000 kilograms of methane per hour, equivalent to the annual CO2 emissions produced by 47 gasoline-powered vehicles for every hour it persisted.

This marked mitigation showcases how precise emissions data can drive rapid response and corrective measures. It aligns with findings from Carbon Mapper's earlier airborne pilot surveys in states like California and Colorado, where nearly half of identified super-emitting leaks were previously unreported but were promptly addressed once highlighted.

"Tackling methane quickly is a crucial global priority. This early mitigation success story shows that remote sensing technologies with unique capabilities like Tanager-1 can be a gamechanger in driving down emissions in the near-term," said Carbon Mapper CEO Riley Duren.

To support global efforts, Carbon Mapper has started sharing Tanager-1 data through its public data portal, including methane and CO2 detections from 34 countries spanning the oil, gas, waste, and agricultural sectors. This initiative is funded by supporters such as the High Tide Foundation, Grantham Foundation for the Protection of the Environment, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Children's Investment Fund Foundation, AKO Foundation, and Zegar Family Foundation.

Carbon Mapper plans to expand its observations and make data on methane and CO2 more consistently available to enable precise mitigation strategies. The data will be publicly accessible for non-commercial purposes 30 days post-collection. Collaborations with other satellite programs, including the Environmental Defense Fund's MethaneSAT, will complement these efforts, ensuring comprehensive, transparent emissions monitoring that empowers swift mitigation action.