TotalEnergies launched a worldwide campaign using drones to detect and monitor methane emissions

TotalEnergies is working to reduce methane emissions from its operations through a drone-based detection campaign across all its operated oil & gas assets.

The campaign uses the so-called AUSEA (airborne ultralight spectrometer for environmental applications).
The project is part of the company’s move to achieving a reduction of 50% in methane emissions at its operated sites by 2025 and of 80% by 2030.

The system consists of a miniature dual sensor mounted on a drone, capable of detecting methane and carbon dioxide emissions, while at the same time identifying their source.

Measurements can be taken at all types of industrial facilities, whether onshore or offshore, using this technology.
It supplements measurements taken using traditional techniques such as infrared cameras, ground sensors and satellites.

Following tests at sites in Nigeria, Italy, the Republic of Congo, the Netherlands, AUSEA technology is being rolled out further.
The campaign, which began in early March for African offshore sites, has now been launched in South America and will reach Europe this summer.

Namita Shah, president, OneTech of TotalEnergies, said:

• TotalEnergies is committed to moving towards zero methane
• Considered to be currently the most accurate technology in the world to detect and measure methane emissions, AUSEA will help us to refine our emissions calculations, and to take stronger measures to reduce our emissions even further in order to achieve the targets we have set

TotalEnergies is setting new targets for its operated methane emissions for the current decade, including a reduction from 2020 levels of 50 % by 2025 and 80 % by 2030, while undertaking measures to keep methane intensity below 0.1 % across its operated gas facilities.