The European Parliament has passed the first EU-wide methane regulation, which will come into force in June 2024. The aim is to reduce methane emissions in the energy sector.
Methane is a greenhouse gas and is considered the second largest cause of climate change after carbon dioxide. It is responsible for around 30% of the global rise in temperature. The new regulation sets binding targets for reducing methane emissions. One of the measures is that operators are obliged to report regularly on methane emissions from their sources. Companies in the oil, gas and coal sectors are required to draw up an inventory of decommissioned, inactive, sealed and abandoned installations, monitor their emissions and draw up a plan to reduce emissions as quickly as possible. In addition, stricter obligations to detect and repair methane leaks are in place. From 2027, stricter requirements will also apply to imported oil, gas and coal.
The FZN specializes in revealing hidden underground processes by evaluating and merging different geodata. Whether public data, remote sensing methods or on-site analyses - the FZN can support the measurement and monitoring of methane emissions with technical expertise and advanced technology.
This includes tasks in four different areas:
Methane emissions at boreholes
- Developing an understanding of the process
- Compilation of publicly accessible data and integration
- Setting up an inventory
- Localization of boreholes through evaluation of satellite images and their documentation
- Evaluation of historical sources and old maps
- Configuration of 3D models
- Development of methods for quantifying methane emissions
- Method for distinguishing the gas origin (isotope analysis)
- Risk assessment when creating routine inspection plans
Methane emissions at the source and at site level
- Developing an understanding of the process
- Compilation of publicly accessible data and integration
- Setting up an inventory
- Configuration of 3D models
- Direct measurements at the source
- Developing monitoring systems
- Documentation and analysis of any deviations
- Additional quantifications at the source or measurements at site level to analyze possible reasons for any deviations
- Method for distinguishing the gas origin (isotope analysis)
- Numerical adjustments to the quantifications at the source or the measurements at site level
Methane emissions in decommissioned underground coal mines
- Compilation of publicly accessible data and integration
- Setting up an inventory
- Localization through evaluation of satellite images and their documentation
- Evaluation of historical sources and old maps
- Development of 3D models
- Developing monitoring systems
- Method for distinguishing the gas origin (isotope analysis)
- Concepts and solutions for the utilization of methane
- Appraisal
Methane emissions in active coal mines above ground
- Developing an understanding of the process
- Compilation of publicly accessible data and integration
- Setting up an inventory
- Configuration of 3D models
- Direct measurements at the source
- Method for distinguishing the gas origin (isotope analysis)
- Development of methods for determining emission factors from mining processes and post-mining activities
- Appraisal
With the 4D gas sniffer drone including a laser scanner and high-resolution optical camera, gas emissions can be measured in real time and accurate to the coordinates. © THGA / Haske
The multispectral image clearly shows a change in the vegetation. This can be an indicator of gas escaping over a large area. © THGA
Contact
Prof. Dr. Christian Melchers
Technische Hochschule Georg Agricola, University
Herner Street 45
44787 Bochum
Building 2, room 104b
Phone 0234 968 3280
Mail christian.melchers@thga.de
Prof. Dr. Tobias Rudolph
Technische Hochschule Georg Agricola, University
Herner Street 45
44787 Bochum
Building 2, room 101
Phone 0234 968 3682
Mail tobias.rudolph@thga.de
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