Announcement Details

The Collaboratory to Advance Methane Science (CAMS) is seeking responses to a funding opportunity to detail and explore current capabilities along with limitations of current satellite-based methane detection technologies and methodologies. The work will help to reconcile current on-the-ground measurement and expertise with the growing body of data from satellite measurements.

Responding entities should submit full proposals for projects by June 25, 2021. It is anticipated that one award will be made with funding ranging from $100,000 to $250,000.

Primary Study Objectives

The primary objective of the funded work will be to detail the satellite-based methane detection technology ecosystem. In particular the effort will focus on two key areas where extensive investment has been made recently to advance the detection of methane from satellites in two key areas –

1. Interpretation and use of existing satellite data through advanced analytics.
2. Launch of newer more advanced satellite-based instruments.

The project deliverables should include enough information to clearly give sponsors the scientific knowledge and information to accurately interpret and understand the physical and statistical limitations of satellite measurements. Specific study objectives include:

• Review and detail recent and past developments in methane-based satellite detection systems including the algorithms and logic used to estimate ground-level methane emissions.
• Explicitly list the sensitivities and factors that may limit performance or cause uncertainty with methane detected from satellite platforms.
• Provide summary of existing data and technology gaps for satellite-based methane detection.

The study objectives can be accomplished with an assembled team that can include academics, satellite vendors, or a collaborative effort between several entities.

The successful project should leverage the current work on methane emissions being conducted through CAMS funding on the distribution and types of methane emissions from oil and natural gas (O&G) operations across different facilities and types of assets. This should create a context to understand different results obtained from a variety of satellite-based measurement platforms. The results of this effort will benefit:

• Regulators and policymakers concerned with methane emissions
• Satellite and other emissions monitoring operators to identify sources of data inconsistencies.
• O&G operators who may want to take of advantage of satellite data.

Background

The O&G industry is committed to continuously studying and reducing environmental and climate impacts based on the most up to date scientific knowledge. Prior studies involving collaborations between researchers and industry have resulted in an improved understanding of the distribution and uncertainties associated with methane emissions across assets and facilities. The objective for this research will allow CAMS to build on past successes and continue to advance the science around methane emissions. This will be accomplished by sponsoring and engaging in research targeted at identifying, understanding, and supporting the most viable technologies to ultimately reduce overall methane emissions.

In recent years, extensive investment has been made recently to advance the detection of methane from satellites in two key areas –

1. Interpretation and use of existing satellite data through advanced analytics.
2. Launch of newer more advanced satellite-based instruments.

The two areas have distinct differences that must be taken into consideration. For the first area, new analytics have been developed to take advantage of satellites that have already been launched and are currently operating. The benefits of these techniques are that they have begun to provide a high-level idea of some of the potential for satellite-based methane observations should the sensing hardware/instrumentation be upgraded. The second key area has taken some of the initial lessons learned from the existing satellites and attempted to quickly launch new satellites with newer methane detection technologies. Both areas have extensive complexities that can all potentially impact performance, including the ability to detect, and quantify methane point source emissions.

Deliverables

A report that

1. summarizes analytics/algorithms, sensitivities, uncertainties, and limitations of satellite measurement methods and data, and
2. provides a recommended framework for a potential Phase-2 satellite remote sensing field study.

RFP Release Date: 06/08/2021
Deadline to submit proposals: 6/25/2021
Submit proposals to: cams@gti.energy
Anticipated Award Date: 7/09/2021
Anticipated Project Start Date: 7/19/2021
Anticipated Period of Performance: 3.5 months – POP through 11/01/2021

Available Funding: $100,000 to $200,000, no matching funds are required

Questions on the funding opportunity should be directed to:

Keily Miller
CAMS Program Administrator
cams@gti.energy

Eligibility

The solicitation is open to public and private entities. The successful contracting group should consist of a team of experts with data analysis and statistical experience and field design and execution experience at oil and gas operations.