New method aims to detect methane emissions

By developing and testing new sensors and advanced technology, the project MEQAL (Methane Quantization and Localization) aims to reduce the greenhouse effect by identifying and locating unintentional methane emissions, which are often difficult to detect.

“Methane is one of the most potent greenhouse gases and plays a major role in climate change. Therefore, it is crucial that we develop new ways to detect and manage methane emissions to help combat global warming,” says Göran Thungström, Associate Professor in Electronics at the FSCN Research Center and project manager for MEQAL.

Collaboration for effective methods

The project is being conducted by the FSCN and STC research centers of Mid Sweden University in collaboration with two Finnish partners, the University of Oulu and the Lapland University of Applied Sciences.

The project is being conducted by the FSCN and STC research centers in collaboration with two Finnish partners, the University of Oulu and the Lapland University of Applied Sciences. The partnership between Mid Sweden University and the Finnish research institutions contributes to the development of effective methods. By combining Swedish and Finnish expertise, the project benefits from different research environments, technical platforms, and testbeds, increasing the potential to create sustainable solutions.

“We are responsible for one part of the three-step method for methane measurements proposed by the MEQAL project. We develop and demonstrate the localization method for methane leaks at closed landfills using an airborne imaging method in which the leak locations are detected with a hyperspectral camera carried by a drone. The knowledge of the leak locations then helps to measure the total amount of the released methane using standard measurement instruments. The second topic is to anticipate the forthcoming regulation of methane monitoring in the EU and to adapt the three-step method to that”, tells group leader Anssi Mäkynen from the University of Oulu.

Tests will be carried out at several locations to evaluate and verify the developed sensors. Among the planned test sites is Sundsvall Energi’s facility, where waste is incinerated to generate energy. Other test areas include Rovaniemi in Finland and additional partners such as Ragn-Sells AB.

“An important part of our work is to develop technologies that make it possible to accurately locate and quantify methane emissions. We don’t just want to detect that methane is being released—we also want to pinpoint exactly where the leakage is occurring so that it can be addressed,” explains Göran Thungström.

The project will also investigate whether a remotely operated “sniffer rover” can help pinpoint the exact locations of the emissions.

Hopes for future applications

The method being developed targets actors in waste management, biogas production, agriculture, and wetland restoration. By effectively identifying methane emissions, the project can play an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to sustainable development.

A long-term ambition is to help create an innovation network for the entire methane management value chain — from measurement services and sensor developers to authorities and standardization bodies at the EU level. This could pave the way for the project’s results to be transformed into market-ready products.

“Besides successful technical demonstrations the project reaches out for commercial solutions of methane monitoring in its exit plan. Open communication of the project results and extensive engagement of stakeholders will open commercialization possibilities for a large group of companies in Sweden and Finland”, Anssi Mäkynen visions.

The MEQAL project will run for three years with a budget of SEK 13 million, largely funded by the EU through Interreg Aurora and Regional council of Lapland. Several company partners are also involved in the project, including Ragn Sells AB, SensAir AB, MidDec Scandinavia AB, Gasum Ltd, Kiertokaari Ltd, Napapiirin Residuum Ltd, Neve Ltd and Aeromon Ltd.

“The involvement of companies is crucial to ensure that the tests reflect real industrial needs and lead to practical solutions for detecting methane emissions,” says Göran Thungström.