Greenhouse gas detection and quantification

ReSource is at the forefront of environmental surveying and monitoring, specializing in gaseous emission detection and quantification methods. Our drone-based mapping and ground-based surveys ensure precise and reliable direct emission data collection for further greenhouse gas and carbon footprint calculations. Partner with us to elevate your environmental monitoring efforts and accelerate your progress toward achieving your sustainability goals, particularly SDG 13: Climate Action.

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Oil and Gas

Biogas

Wastewater

Landfill

Compost

Fugitive emissions and site-level quantification

How do you measure site-level emissions of GHGs?

ReSource has developed an innovative top-down measurement approach to measure and map gaseous emissions, applicable in industries like oil and gas, biogas, and waste management. By flying downwind from potential emission sources, a drone can capture cross-sections of gas plumes, which are then analyzed using proprietary software. By combining this data with on-site wind and weather measurements, we can provide accurate estimates of total emissions with their associated uncertainty. The methodology is applicable with methane, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide.

Why is it crucial to have reliable direct measurements of greenhouse gases?
Measuring site-level emissions escaping or venting from a facility provides a direct measurement on the volume of potentially lost viable product from a production plant. Simultaneously, it delivers clear evidence of the emitted carbon dioxide equivalent, enabling data-based (not factor-based estimates) calculations of Global Warming Potential (GWP) for any specific site or component.

This information is essential for accurate climate impact assessment and transparent carbon reporting in line with current global and European regulatory frameworks in the energy, mining and agricultural sectors.

How do different quantification methodologies compare?

	Factor-based	Data-based
Reporting	Generalized emission factors (EFs) applied to activity factors (AFs)	Direct measurements of emissions
Accuracy	Lower, relies on averages	Higher, site-specific and real-time
Cost	Lower, less resource-intensive	Higher, requires investment in technology
Use case	High-level estimates, early-stage analysis	Detailed carbon reporting, compliance, research

Regulatory aspects on greenhouse gas emissions

Global initiatives are actively addressing the impact of potent greenhouse gases within the industrial sector. This is especially evident in the case of methane, a greenhouse gas that is 80 times more effective at trapping heat radiation than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. Programs like the Methane Pledge and OGMP 2.0 have laid the groundwork for the development of regulatory frameworks worldwide. In the European Union, August 4, 2024, marks a significant milestone in the regulation of methane emissions from the energy and mining industries. Directive EU/2024/1787 makes it clear that EU member states must take decisive measures to monitor and address greenhouse gas emissions, aiming to enhance the management of carbon and fossil fuel resources. The ultimate aim is to uphold the commitments of the Paris Agreement and combat climate change.

Altogether, our services form the essential foundation for achieving compliance with these initiatives and regulations. Accurate monitoring and measurement are the critical first steps, enabling reliable reporting and verification of emission data.

And that’s where we come in to support you and your investors!

Methane gas emission detection and mapping

Walkover surveys and leak detection

Systematic surveys offer a great advantage in many circumstances. From identifying unknown gaseous emission sources on landfill surfaces or composting facilities to finding leaks during Leak Detection And Repair (LDAR) activities on gas infrastructure and components. They allow direct observations from our operators and better interpretation of possible sources of emissions. We are able to log all measurements and map them so you can use our reports to improve your measurement-based source inventories and maintain your equipment at your plant.

UAV-based gas emission detection and mapping

Drone-based emission mapping significantly reduces both the time and labor needed for gas data collection. By equipping UAVs with payloads capable of detecting gas concentrations at ppm and ppb levels, we can pinpoint emission hotspots and create geo-referenced concentration maps to facilitate the localisation of potential sources. It’s important to note that detecting and mapping is not the same as quantifying emissions. Be cautious when discussing these capabilities with other service providers—ensure they fully understand the distinction between mapping and quantification before showcasing their drones and payloads. Before being an expert drone surveyor, you need to know what you are measuring!

Sometimes drones are just not the best solution for investigating gas emissions. Depending on the precision and level of confidence in detection required for your project and the site-specific requirements, we can work flexibly with several payloads.

In Europe, there are currently two primary standards for measuring fugitive VOC emissions in the gas industry: EN 15446 and EN 17628. However, new EU methane regulations have highlighted the need for specific standards for methane emission quantification, which are still under development.

Flare efficiency

UAV-based flare efficiency measurements

Measuring flare efficiency in industries such as biogas, wastewater treatment or natural gas production and distribution is crucial as it provides valuable insights into environmental impact, regulatory compliance, resource management, and operational safety. Efficient flare systems at biogas or gas compressor stations minimize the release of pollutants and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, mitigating air pollution and reducing the industry's contribution to climate change due to venting or flaring, whether this activity may be planned or not.

How do we measure flare efficiency?

Ratios of methane and carbon dioxide are measured in the atmosphere with the gas plume by means of a UAV platform and a highly accurate gas sensor. For each measurement transects, ratios are then categorized to determine the type of emissions sources (leaks, exhausts, outside sources, etc.) and can be used along with input gas contents to calculate the Destruction Removal Efficiency (DRE), namely how well does a flare abate methane at your plant.

Are you a flare manufacturer or do you provide gas installations in biogas plants or at landfill sites? We can help you with proving flare efficiency in line with ISO 22580 2021.

Technical specification

Limit of quantification (LOQ)

CO₂ and CH₄<0,1 kg∙h^-1

Limit of detection (LOD)

CH₄<0,9 ppb at 1Hz

CO₂<350 ppb at 1Hz

Uncertainty at 95% C.I. on average of 10 measurements

±10-15%

Approved by
Alessandro Sarno

Alessandro Sarno runs ReSource Sverige AB as CEO and Co-founder. The company provides environmental monitoring solutions and consultancy within energy and waste management sectors. With a background from Lund University, he spearheads the application of innovative technologies like digital data platforms and drone-based methane monitoring. His versatile approach and commitment to transparency drive the company's expansion of data-driven environmental services across Sweden and Europe.