Satellites Revolutionizing Methane Emission Tracking from Landfills and Energy Facilities

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, with a heat-trapping capability 28 times stronger than carbon dioxide over a century. It accounts for over 10% of human-caused methane emissions, primarily from the energy sector and landfill sites. The Global Methane Pledge aims for a 30% reduction in methane emissions by 2030, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue.

European Space AgencySpace.comGHG Satellites Focus on 21% Methane Emissions from O&G, Ignore 79%

The European Space Agency (ESA) has initiated a case study at the Las Dehesas landfill near Madrid, collaborating with the Madrid City Council and Urbaser to monitor methane emissions. Since spring 2025, the project has utilized ground surveys, sensor-equipped aircraft, and satellites to gather data on methane emissions. The ESA's Sentinel-5P mission provides a broad overview, while GHGSat's high-resolution sensors can identify leaks as small as 100 kg per hour. This dual approach allows for precise mapping and assessment of methane emissions, facilitating targeted remediation efforts.

European Space AgencySpace.comGHG Satellites Focus on 21% Methane Emissions from O&G, Ignore 79%

The success of the Las Dehesas project hinges on strong collaboration among various stakeholders, including the International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO) and the Danish Technical University (DTU). María José Delgado, Director General of the Valdemingómez Technology Park, emphasized the importance of this partnership in improving environmental control and landfill management. The study aims to inform satellite-guided strategies to mitigate emissions, similar to successful efforts in the oil and gas sector.

European Space Agency

In addition to landfill monitoring, the GHGSat satellite constellation has been instrumental in tracking methane emissions from oil, gas, and coal facilities worldwide. Researchers have identified over 3,000 sites emitting approximately 9 million tons of methane annually. This data bridges the gap between national estimates and on-the-ground measurements, revealing the intermittent nature of emissions and the need for facility-level monitoring.

GHG Satellites Focus on 21% Methane Emissions from O&G, Ignore 79%Space.comEuropean Space Agency

Despite the advancements in satellite technology, there are concerns regarding the comprehensiveness of the data. Critics argue that GHGSat's focus on 21% of fugitive methane emissions overlooks significant sources, potentially skewing mitigation efforts. This highlights the need for a more holistic approach to methane monitoring that encompasses all potential sources.

GHG Satellites Focus on 21% Methane Emissions from O&G, Ignore 79%

Timon Hummel, ESA’s Mission Manager for Atmospheric Missions, stated, “Satellites can detect and quantify methane emissions faster and with far greater precision than ever before.” This sentiment underscores the potential of satellite technology to drive real-world action in the waste sector and beyond.

European Space Agency

The results from the Las Dehesas landfill study are expected to be released in early 2026, with ongoing evaluations of remediation effectiveness. Dr. Harjinder Sembhi noted that understanding the persistence of leaks will inform future strategies for reducing emissions from landfills, paving the way for enhanced satellite-driven monitoring efforts.

European Space Agency

• “By combining the frequency of high-resolution satellite measurement with the targeted view of high-resolution airborne measurements, we’re able to gain an unprecedented understanding of how landfill methane behaves.” — Dan Wicks, UK Managing Director, GHGSat

European Space Agency

• “Detection is only one half of the coin. We’re assessing how robust and long-lasting the remediation has been in terms of plugging leaks. Once complete we’ll advance knowledge of monitoring and quantifying waste sector emissions, while laying the groundwork for satellite-driven landfill methane monitoring to support cities and waste managers in cutting emissions.” — Dr. Harjinder Sembhi, University of Leicester

European Space Agency

• “The opportunity to work with the operator can help us optimise the use of remote sensing to improve monitoring.” — Dr. Harjinder Sembhi, University of Leicester

European Space Agency

• “This information will be useful to improve understanding and predictions of methane emissions, and, therefore, provide information that is useful to direct mitigation efforts,” — Dylan Jervis, GHGSat Inc.

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