How Methane Detection Technology is Redefining Oil and Gas Extraction

By Ankit SinghReviewed by Laura ThomsonJul 16 2025

The oil and gas industry, known for its significant environmental impact, is undergoing a crucial transformation due to sustainable technology innovations. A key aspect of this change is methane detection, which addresses a critical environmental concern since methane is responsible for approximately 30% of global warming and has a global warming potential 36 times greater than carbon dioxide over a century.

Global initiatives, such as the COP28 pledge, which includes commitments from 50 oil and gas companies to reduce methane emissions by 80-90% by 2030, are gaining momentum. Advanced detection technologies are setting new operational standards across oilfields worldwide.^1-3

Image Credit: I am from Mykolayiv/Shutterstock.com

A History of Methane Detection: From Soap Bubbles to Satellites

For decades, methane detection relied on rudimentary methods collectively known as Audio, Visual, and Olfactory (AVO) techniques. Field personnel would listen for hissing sounds, check equipment for corrosion, and depend on odorants added to natural gas. While these methods were straightforward, they were often ineffective for detecting smaller leaks and assessing hard-to-reach infrastructure.

The introduction of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Method 21 in the 1970s marked a significant improvement in methane detection. This method utilized portable flame ionization detectors (FIDs) to standardize leak detection. However, Method 21 was limited to identifying leak locations and did not measure leak quantities, requiring physical access to the components.⁴

The early 2000s marked a turning point with the commercialization of Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) cameras. These handheld infrared (IR) devices visualized methane plumes as opaque smoke, enabling rapid leak surveys.

On the downside, OGI remained qualitative and could not quantify emission rates essential for prioritizing repairs. In the following decade, advancements such as Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS) and cavity ring-down systems emerged. These technologies enhanced the ability to measure gas concentrations accurately. Despite their advantages, they also encountered challenges, including coverage gaps, reliance on weather conditions, and high costs.^3,4

Modern Detection Technologies: Precision from Ground to Orbit

Today’s methane monitoring employs a multi-layered approach that includes ground-based sensors, aerial platforms, and satellite technology.

Continuous ground sensors

Continuous ground sensors consist of networks of fixed-point sensors that offer real-time monitoring around critical infrastructure. Innovations such as the Smart Methane Emission Detection System developed by the Southwest Research Institute with support from the Department of Energy use mid-wave IR cameras paired with machine learning to autonomously detect leaks as small as three standard cubic feet per hour. This system relies on basic weather data, which simplifies its operational requirements.⁵

Aerial and drone-based systems

Aerial and drone-based systems utilize unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with sensors to conduct rapid, high-resolution surveys of remote or hazardous sites. Recently, UAVs have been adapted to the Smart Methane Emission Detection System, allowing methane quantification without human intervention. These platforms effectively navigate terrain challenges that have traditionally posed difficulties for ground crews.^4,5

Satellite constellations

Satellite constellations offer extensive global coverage. The TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) on the Sentinel-5P satellite generates daily maps that display methane concentrations with a resolution of approximately 7 x 5.5 km. Newer satellites, such as MethaneSAT, promise even higher resolution capabilities.

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A recent study published in MDPI Atmosphere utilized TROPOMI data and identified spikes in methane concentrations over Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries during the oil production surge in 2020, establishing a direct correlation between increased production and higher emissions.⁶

AI and Digitalization: The Brains Behind Detection

The true revolution in methane detection lies not just in advanced sensors but in intelligent data integration through artificial intelligence (AI).

AI transforms raw methane data into actionable insights. For instance, startups such as Datall utilize predictive analytics to analyze sensor data from rotating equipment, allowing them to identify patterns that indicate potential failures.

This proactive approach transitions maintenance from a reactive schedule to a predictive model, effectively preventing leaks before they occur.

Recent developments in AI algorithms allow for the prioritization of leaks based on their severity, enabling crews to focus on the most critical repairs first, particularly targeting sites that contribute significantly to emissions. This efficiency is critical given that studies show 5% of sites typically generate over 50% of emissions.^2,3,7

AI has also enhanced methane detection accuracy with automated OGI interpretation. Researchers at Stanford developed GasNet, a convolutional neural network that achieved 97% accuracy in separating methane plumes from background noise by training on 18,000 labeled videos. This technology further evolved into VideoGasNet, which quantifies leak rates based on plume dynamics.^2,8

Video Credit: Environmental Defense Fund/YouTube.com

Economic and Environmental Synergies

Beyond regulatory compliance, sustainable methane management delivers significant financial returns. Vivakor Inc. reported an impressive 201% increase in revenue in Q4 2024 after adopting clean fluid management and remediation technologies.⁹

This trend is mirrored in Nigeria, where oil companies investing in emission control technologies have found enhanced financial stability. By utilizing digital tools for environmental compliance, these firms minimize production disruptions caused by community conflicts and regulatory issues. Moreover, integrated detection systems enable operators to capture and resell fugitive methane, turning waste into profit while effectively decreasing flaring.^10,11

Future Trends of Methane Detection in the Oil and Gas Sector

Innovative advancements drive the future toward achieving zero routine flaring. Integrated monitoring networks that combine continuous ground sensors with periodic satellite and drone surveys offer comprehensive coverage, leveraging hybrid approaches to address the limitations of individual methods.³

Companies such as Cowboy Clean Fuels lead the way in renewable-powered operations by producing carbon-negative renewable natural gas (RNG) through biomass injection into depleted wells, sequestering CO₂ while generating energy.⁷

Although not traditionally associated with the oil and gas industry, blockchain technology emerges as a powerful tool for enhancing supply chain transparency. It uses secure, shared ledgers to record emissions data, fostering trust among stakeholders and simplifying carbon credit verification. This ultimately enhances accountability and promotes environmental responsibility within the industry.¹²

Conclusion

Sustainable methane detection technology has transformed from a basic compliance requirement into a strategic tool for profitable decarbonization. National oil companies such as Saudi Aramco and ADNOC are increasing production capacity while investing in AI-powered emissions monitoring and low-carbon technologies.

This shift allows the oil and gas sector to become a vital contributor to climate goals, enabling energy production with minimal environmental impact.¹³

References and Further Reading

1. Global Methane Tracker 2024. (2024). International Energy Agency. https://www.iea.org/reports/global-methane-tracker-2024
2. Wang, J. et al. (2020). Machine vision for natural gas methane emissions detection using an infrared camera. Applied Energy, 257, 113998. DOI:10.1016/j.apenergy.2019.113998. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S030626191931685X
3. Liu, Y. et al. (2025). Review of methane emission source tracing methods in oilfield regions. Gas Science and Engineering, 142, 205708. DOI:10.1016/j.jgsce.2025.205708. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2949908925001724
4. Evaluation of Innovative Methane Detection Technologies. ITRC Web. https://methane-1.itrcweb.org/4-technology/
5. Smart Methane Detection Technology Developed to Significantly Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions. (2022). netl.doe.gov. https://netl.doe.gov/node/11529
6. Farahat, A. (2022). The Impact of the 2020 Oil Production Fluctuations on Methane Emissions over the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries: A Satellite Approach. Atmosphere, 13(1), 11. DOI:10.3390/atmos13010011. https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4433/13/1/11
7. Wallner, S. (2025). Top 10 Oil & Gas Industry Trends & Innovations in 2025. StartUs Insights. https://www.startus-insights.com/innovators-guide/oil-and-gas-industry-trends/
8. Wang, J. et al. (2022). VideoGasNet: Deep learning for natural gas methane leak classification using an infrared camera. Energy, 238, 121516. DOI:10.1016/j.energy.2021.121516. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360544221017643
9. Vivakor Inc. Demonstrates Environmental Sustainability in Oilfield Operations, Achieves Significant Financial Growth. (2025). citybuzz. https://www.citybuzz.co/2025/05/28/vivakor-inc-demonstrates-environmental-sustainability-in-oilfield-operations-achieves-significant-financial-growth/
10. Akhimien, O. G., & Adekunle, S. A. (2023). Technological environment and sustainable performance of oil and gas firms: A structural equation modelling approach. Future Business Journal, 9(1), 1-11. DOI:10.1186/s43093-023-00204-5. https://fbj.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s43093-023-00204-5
11. Permian Basin offers lessons on reducing methane emissions. (2023). chevron.com. https://www.chevron.com/newsroom/2023/q4/permian-basin-offers-lessons-on-reducing-methane-emissions
12. Pearcey, E. (2025). Tech for 2025: What’s coming for the oil and gas industry. Offshore Technology Focus. https://offshore.nridigital.com/offshore_technology_focus_feb25/tech-for-2025-whats-coming-for-the-oil-and-gas-industry
13. Navigating the Future: Key Trends Shaping the Oil and Gas Industry in 2025. (2025). Energy Workforce & Technology Council. https://www.energyworkforce.org/navigating-the-future-key-trends-shaping-the-oil-and-gas-industry-in-2025/

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