MiQ, a global leader in emissions certification, has made a significant advancement in its monitoring Equivalency Table by incorporating satellite technology for the credible verification of methane emissions from oil and gas assets. The updated table offers a streamlined approach for producers to leverage various technologies, including satellites, aircraft, and continuous monitoring, aligning them with MiQ’s predefined standards for emissions monitoring. This ensures that regardless of the chosen technology, producers can measure their monitoring efforts against established benchmarks.
The inclusion of satellite monitoring in the MiQ Equivalency Table represents a groundbreaking step in the industry. It provides valuable guidance for producers on integrating methane detection data from satellites into their emissions management plans, enabling them to incorporate cutting-edge technology while meeting international standards and certification requirements. The updated table also clarifies how satellite data can be credibly used, making it an essential tool for the oil and gas industry in effectively managing and reducing emissions.
This advancement is driven by the recent launch of advanced satellites like the Carbon Mapper Coalition’s Tanager-1, EDF’s MethaneSAT, and GHGSat’s existing constellation, all specifically designed to detect methane emissions. These equivalency models, now adopted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), demonstrate how producers can seamlessly integrate high-quality satellite data into their emissions certification process.
The MiQ Equivalency Table stands out as the only tool that fully integrates satellite technology into an operator’s emissions monitoring strategy. The utilization of satellite monitoring methods offers numerous advantages, including cost-effective global scanning at high frequency, potentially multiple times per week. This eliminates logistical challenges associated with deployment in sensitive areas and enables operators to manage emissions risks in real time.
By integrating satellite data, the MiQ Equivalency Table provides a more sophisticated risk management approach, allowing consumers of oil and gas-derived products and other stakeholders to gain a comprehensive understanding of the emissions levels throughout the value chain. MiQ, currently certifying 20% of natural gas production in the US, plays a vital role in providing the necessary data and transparency to drive down methane emissions.
“The updated MiQ Equivalency Table offers first-of-its-kind guidance for oil and gas producers on using methane detection data from satellites as part of their emissions management plans,” said Georges Tijbosch, CEO of MiQ. “These updates allow producers to incorporate cutting-edge technology into their emissions reduction efforts while meeting international standards and certification requirements. The guidance also clarifies how satellite data can be credibly used, making the Equivalency Table a vital tool for the industry in effectively managing and reducing emissions.”
Riley Duren, CEO of Carbon Mapper, expressed his enthusiasm about the integration of satellite technology in MiQ’s certification process. “Satellite monitoring methods enable producers to minimize high-emission point sources, particularly methane ‘super-emitting’ infrastructure. We are pleased to see MiQ integrating more technologies that can track these emissions events into their certification. We’re entering a critically important time for methane monitoring through the growing ecosystem of remote sensing tools, including the launch of Tanager-1. Transparent data and actionable insights will empower the industry, and other decision makers, to act swiftly on emissions.”
This innovative approach to methane emissions monitoring using satellite technology signifies a significant step towards a more sustainable future in the oil and gas industry. By providing a standardized framework for integrating cutting-edge technologies, MiQ’s Equivalency Table empowers producers to make informed decisions and actively contribute to reducing their environmental impact.
