Sempra LNG recently joined the Collaboratory for Advancing Methane Science (CAMS), an industry-led research consortium formed to better characterize and understand methane emissions. Sempra LNG joins CAMS members Cheniere, Chevron, Equinor, ExxonMobil, Pioneer Natural Resources, and Shell.

CAMS members work collaboratively to provide actionable, transparent methane science to contribute to the understanding of methane emissions across the oil and gas value chain and inform mitigation strategies. The collaborative’s first project, the Methane Emission Estimate Tool (MEET), is an open source model that simulates methane emissions from production and boosting and gathering facilities, which enables operators to evaluate effectiveness of both detection and mitigation strategies. Phase two of the project applies this tool to simulate areas of higher methane concentrations for Project Astra, an initiative to create a first-of-its-kind regional, multi-operator sensor network that will leverage advances in methane-sensing technologies, data sharing, and data analytics to provide comprehensive and near-continuous monitoring.

A new CAMS project will determine methane contributions of LNG offshore transport vessels while in port and at sea. This unprecedented research will fill significant emission data gaps in the value chain. 

Looking ahead, CAMS members are planning to focus on improving our understanding of satellite emissions data as well as create refined emissions profiles and methane abatement strategies for natural gas pneumatic control devices.

“We are excited to join this alliance of forward-looking companies that are working together to more effectively identify and reduce methane emissions across the natural gas value chain,” said Lisa Glatch, president and chief operating officer of Sempra LNG. “Sempra LNG is committed to creating sustainable value not only through the safe and responsible operation of the LNG pipelines and liquefaction infrastructure we own, but also investing in innovative research to reduce emissions in other parts of the LNG supply chain.”

“Natural gas will continue to play a vital role in the future of energy, and partnerships like CAMS position like-minded companies to join forces for the betterment of the industry and the environment,” said Pioneer Natural Resources Sustainable Development Advisor Sri Sridharan. “We are pleased to have Sempra LNG join in on our unified approach to methane mitigation research.”