Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, trapping heat 28 times more effectively than carbon dioxide, making its reduction crucial. Alberta has emerged as a global leader in tackling this challenge, slashing methane emissions from the oil and gas sector by 52 per cent since 2014.
Supported by a $1.4 million investment from ERA, a partnership between the University of Calgary and Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNRL) demonstrates how innovation, collaboration, and strategic funding can keep the province’s momentum in this critical space.
Launched at the University of Calgary, PoMELO (Portable Methane Leak Observatory) is a vehicle-mounted detection system designed to identify methane leaks directly at their source. By integrating advanced sensor technology and mobile capabilities, PoMELO is a cost-effective solution for easily accessing areas prone to emissions. The ERA-funded project was officially completed in 2024.
“Partnerships with industry have proved critical to evolving this technology and potential for the future,” said Thomas Barchyn, Project Manager, University of Calgary. “The U of C is deeply science-focused, so we need practical feedback and experience. Achieving impact requires understanding real problems to reduce emissions in Alberta – emissions reductions don’t come from the papers, they come from the field.”
In Alberta, oil and gas facilities in remote areas make traditional methods costly and inefficient. Being mobile, PoMELO can easily access sites, allowing for quick, efficient, and cost-effective emissions mitigation. Mounted on a pickup truck, PoMELO detects emissions using laser spectrometers, wind instruments, and GPS, along with machine learning for data analysis.
Unlike costly handheld optical gas cameras that require close access, PoMELO allows for immediate assessments that deliver real-time data processing, enabling operators to locate leaks quickly and promptly make repairs. Since the data is processed in real time, operators can immediately locate leaks, enabling them to quickly repair them to comply with Alberta’s environmental regulations. To date, PoMELO has been deployed at over 1,500 sites.
“In the case of PoMELO, we are doing it all; we are using science to reduce emissions, building a pool of highly qualified personnel, advancing science into places it’s never been before, creating commercial opportunities, and solidifying Alberta’s role as a global leader,” said Barchyn. “With the help of ERA, I think it will be part of the birth of a new methane detection industry.”