Methane leak detected from space in the UK now successfully mitigated

The satellites observed the leak from a pipeline in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, on September 11, 2022 and was subsequently discovered by researchers at Leeds University using data acquired by GHGSat.

The leak was mitigated, thanks to the immediate action of the researchers and GHGSat, who alerted the owner of the pipeline, West & Wales Utilities. Following an investigation, repairs were completed by June 13 2023, after which time GHGSat satellites recorded no further emissions.

Scientists first came across the leak while working on a project investigating the ability of sensors mounted on telecommunication towers to measure greenhouse gas emissions. While reviewing the data, researchers from Leeds University found that the source of the methane leak was releasing the greenhouse gas at a rate of over 200kg per hour.

It was estimated that the 11-week methane leak was equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of over 7,500 average homes, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency emissions calculator.