Satellite Launch Aims for Increased Scrutiny of Methane Emitters
- GHGSat’s Iris set to be launched into orbit this weekend
- Equipment is first able to monitor individual sites, CEO says
A dairy cow wears a methane capturing face mask at a farm in Hertfordshire, U.K.
Photographer: Hollie Adams/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
Energy and commodity producers releasing methane into the atmosphere will face increased scrutiny with the launch of the first satellite claiming the ability to monitor individual culprits.
Iris -- a microwave-sized gadget set to be launched into orbit from French Guiana this weekend, weather permitting -- will be able to track methane released from oil and gas wells, coal mines, power plants, farms and factories around the globe, Stephane Germain, chief executive officer of Montreal-based developer GHGSat Inc., said in an interview.