Practical lessons from implementing a top-down, drone-based methane emissions quantification technology into global oil and gas operations

Abstract

Reliable top-down quantification of methane emissions from oil and gas operations is increasingly crucial but challenging. Many new technologies are emerging that aim to offer solutions, but they vary widely in their actual field performance, cost, and breadth of applicability. Operators need to evaluate and test different technologies, which can be time-consuming and complex. Once a technology has been selected for use, then typically field trials follow before wider introduction to the operation. This process takes considerable time and effort, and frequently requires extensive learning by the teams involved. Additionally, interpretation of performance often depends upon measurement use-case (e.g. regulatory, voluntary, or leak detection and repair). This paper will share some of the learnings made by the users and technology provider in the assessment and global introduction of a high sensitivity drone-based methane emissions detection, localisation, and quantification technology. There will be a particular focus on practical, operational considerations for such introductions to help accelerate the ongoing efforts of others interested in implementing emissions quantification technologies. Examples from Australia and further afield (both onshore and offshore) will be used to illustrate key points within the paper which include the value of third-party technology validation, consistency across multiple operations and scalability/availability of services.