Learn how OGCI and Carbon Mapper are turning data into methane emissions reductions
Reducing methane emissions from oil and gas operations is one of the fastest and most effective ways to slow climate change while improving operational efficiency. Methane emissions often result from leaks, venting, or incomplete combustion, representing both an environmental impact and lost product.
The tools to reduce methane already exist, and many reductions can be achieved at low or minimal cost. The challenge is ensuring that detection leads to mitigation.
To address that gap, OGCI has launched a collaboration with Carbon Mapper focused on connecting satellite detection to abatement. The collaboration combines publicly accessible satellite methane data with direct engagement with operators so that detection results in timely follow-up.
- New collaboration links satellite methane detection directly to abatement.
- Public satellite data plus direct operator engagement aims to speed up mitigation.
How satellite methane data supports oil and gas operators
Most operators already run leak detection and repair programs and deploy on-site monitoring technologies. Satellite data adds an independent layer of visibility, helping to identify large or unexpected emission events that routine systems may not always capture. When those events are detected earlier and addressed more quickly, the duration of high-volume emissions is reduced, lowering overall methane intensity. Over time, integrating satellite data into routine operations also strengthens reporting, supports verification and provides documented evidence of corrective action.
Combining satellite methane monitoring with industry engagement
Through the collaboration between OGCI and Carbon Mapper, Carbon Mapper will provide public methane data derived from Planet’s Tanager-1 satellite. The data can identify emission plumes, attribute them to specific facilities and estimate emission rates.
OGCI will use its established peer-to-peer engagement model to work directly with local operators to investigate and resolve detected emissions. The focus is practical: helping teams assess the data, prioritize follow-up and implement corrective measures quickly. Combining satellite data with clear follow-through is designed to shorten the time between detection and mitigation.
How Carbon Mapper detects methane from space
Carbon Mapper’s satellites carry an imaging spectrometer that measures hundreds of wavelengths of light, including infrared wavelengths not visible to the human eye. As sunlight reflects off the Earth’s surface and passes back through the atmosphere, methane absorbs light at specific wavelengths. By analysing these subtle changes in reflected light, the instrument can detect methane plumes and estimate their intensity.
The technology was developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and is deployed on Planet Labs’ Tanager-1 satellite, enabling methane emissions to be monitored from space at facility scale.
Methane emissions performance across OGCI members
OGCI members are making significant progress in reducing methane emissions from operated assets. Since 2017, upstream methane intensity has declined by 62%, reaching 0.12% in 2024. This reflects sustained operational effort, supported by clear ambitions, better measurement and consistent follow-through.
Scaling methane emissions reductions through the Satellite Monitoring Campaign
Since 2021, OGCI’s Satellite Monitoring Campaign has provided operators in Iraq, Kazakhstan, Algeria, Egypt and other countries with satellite emissions data and technical support. The experience has reinforced that measurement only drives reductions when operators have clear processes to investigate and fix what is found.
To support that process, OGCI has developed practical tools that can be used beyond the initial detection. The OGCI Methane Library brings together guidance, technical materials and best practices, while the Satellite Methane Detection Response Playbook sets out a step-by-step framework to respond to emission events, from notification through to investigation and mitigation.
Embedding methane emissions reduction into everyday operations
Methane reduction is a climate imperative and a practical operational opportunity. By linking independent data with practical implementation, initiatives like the OGCI-Carbon Mapper collaboration aim to support scalable, real-world methane reductions across the sector.