Methane Super-Emitter

A super-emitter is a leak source that releases an unusually large amount of methane.. Definitions vary depending on the sector. For the Super Emitter Program under EPA’s Methane Rule (OOOOb), a super-emitter is a site-level emission totaling greater than 100 kilograms per hour (kg/hr) of methane.

Why Do Methane Super-Emitters Matter?

Super-emitters are uncommon events but can account for substantial methane emissions across a region or basin depending on their frequency and size. Mitigating super-emitters can quickly deliver emissions reductions.

Understanding super-emitters:

• Typically short-lived, and super-emitter risk is highly variable depending on site and equipment type
• Require high-quality data to pinpoint and eliminate effectively
• Some detection tools may aggregate smaller leaks into one large plume
• To confirm a super-emitter, methane must be measured down to the equipment-level to pinpoint the leak source
  
  

How Are Methane Super-Emitters Detected? (Brief Technical)

Super-emitters are identified using methane quantification data, often collected via satellites, aircraft, or drones. High-resolution aerial systems like Bridger’s Gas Mapping LiDAR® (GML) are particularly well-suited to locating and quantifying these events, due to:

• Highly sensitive detection
• Accurate emission rate quantification
• Equipment-level detection with pinpointed leak sources

Bridger’s system can detect and quantify both large and small emission events quickly, across wide areas or remote regions, helping operators take action sooner.

Key Applications in Oil and Gas

• Rapid identification and repair of large leaks
• Compliance with super-emitter response requirements
• Documentation for regulatory and ESG reporting
• High-impact emissions reduction planning
• Collaboration with third-party satellite or NGO observations

Related: Methane Quantification, Methane Emission Rate, Aerial Methane Detection, Gas Mapping LiDAR, OGMP 2.0

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