Mitsubishi Electric to use satellites to detect methane leaks in LNG

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation has signed a contract with the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) to conduct a technical verification project for identifying and measuring greenhouse gas emission sources using satellite data. The aim is to establish a service that visualises methane emissions for corporate and municipal users by utilising high-precision satellite observations.

The initiative involves collaboration with Satellite Data Services, JGC Global, Mitsubishi Electric Software, and the Canadian firm GHGSat. Mitsubishi Electric also taps on expertise from MUFG Bank under an existing partnership. The project focuses on methane, a primary component of liquefied natural gas (LNG) that possesses a significantly higher greenhouse effect than carbon dioxide. Accurate identification of methane leaks and improved transparency in the energy supply chain are essential for global climate mitigation.

Mitsubishi Electric will employ a “Tip & Cue” operational model. The Global Observation SATellite for Greenhouse gases and Water cycle (GOSAT-GW), also known as Ibuki GW, provides wide-area monitoring to identify potential emission hotspots. Once a “tip” is detected, the system sends a “cue” to GHGSat’s satellite constellation for high-resolution, local observation. This combination allows for the efficient detection and quantification of emissions at specific facilities.

Under the JOGMEC contract, Mitsubishi Electric will verify the performance of methane detection and quantification under actual field conditions. The company will also establish the technical requirements and operational procedures necessary for commercial use. Furthermore, the project evaluates how satellite data can be applied to the Oil & Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 (OGMP 2.0), a reporting framework led by the United Nations Environment Programme.

The partners also plan to explore joint demonstrations at natural gas and LNG production facilities using a top-down measurement approach. Mitsubishi Electric intends to develope a service providing clear visualisations of greenhouse gas emissions and automated leak notifications.