MethaneSAT, the first satellite owned by an environmental nonprofit, launched in 2024 with high hopes of improving climate accountability. Unfortunately, just a year later, the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) reported losing contact with the $88 million satellite. Yet, before that happened, the satellite gathered valuable data that revealed concerning trends in methane emissions worldwide.
Initial data assessments showed that methane emissions from oil and gas operations are much higher than what official inventories suggest. Specifically, emissions were around 50% greater than the estimates from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). For instance, the Permian Basin in West Texas was identified as a major contributor, releasing an astonishing average of 410 metric tons of methane per hour. This region alone exemplifies the gap between reported and actual emissions.
Steven Hamburg, chief scientist at EDF and project lead for MethaneSAT, emphasized the importance of this data for shaping future regulations and better methane reduction strategies. “We need solid, real-time data to identify who’s succeeding at emissions reduction and who’s falling short,” he explained. The satellite’s findings are critical as methane is a significant driver of climate change, second only to carbon dioxide.
The report also highlighted discrepancies among regions. For example, methane emissions from the Appalachian Basin were much lower, accounting for only 0.6% of gas production, compared to a staggering 20% in the Widyan Basin in Iraq. This stark contrast underscores the varying levels of efficiency and regulation across basins worldwide.
According to a recent analysis by Rob Jackson, a Stanford University earth science professor, this data fits a longer trend of underestimating methane emissions from oil and gas production. He notes that old, less efficient wells tend to leak more, thereby significantly contributing to overall emissions despite their low production levels. “These wells are emitting methane 24/7. As production increases, emissions are likely to rise,” Jackson explained.
A notable divide in how regions handle methane emissions regulations is evident in the Permian Basin. New Mexico has implemented strict methane regulations, resulting in a methane intensity of 1.2%, compared to Texas, which stands at 3.1%. This highlights the positive impact of local regulations and why they are essential for achieving emission reduction targets.
Interestingly, while the satellite has faced setbacks, Hamburg remains optimistic. He pointed out that new satellites launched by other countries could strengthen global methane monitoring efforts. “More satellites will enhance our ability to track these emissions over time,” he said.
Overall, the transition to a cleaner energy future will require transparent, data-driven strategies that prioritize both accountability and innovation in emissions reduction. The findings from MethaneSAT could serve as a critical tool in our collective fight against climate change, pushing industries to adopt improved practices and policies.
For further details on methane emissions and their implications, check out the full report from the EDF [here](https://www.edf.org/methanesat-observations-reveal-lower-methane-intensity-new-mexicos-permian-basin-associated?ut_sid=2f508c1b-1ba8-42de-bad0-7419be723249&ut_pid=feb8dfbc-9975-4dae-aba4-350e18e55cbe&ut_sid=2f508c1b-1ba8-42de-bad0-7419be723249&ut_pid=feb8dfbc-9975-4dae-aba4-350e18e55cbe).
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EDF,Environmental Defense Fund,Methane,methane emissions,MethaneSAT,permian basin
