To comply with EU-wide methane regulation

27.08.2024

Drones to check methane gas emissions

Together with its European members and partners, UAV DACH is committed to full social acceptance and the comprehensive utilization of the innovation potential of economically successful unmanned aviation for the benefit of all. And UAS can be put to beneficial use in a number of different ways, particularly when it comes to conserving resources and ecological sustainability.

For example, when it comes to reducing global warming emissions.

The first EU-wide methane regulation was approved at the end of May. The European Commission is declaring to fight against the “number two climate killer” and obliging the energy industry to take all conceivable measures to prevent or minimize methane emissions as far as possible. And for good reason, as the gas is the main cause of man-made climate change after carbon dioxide.

In future, for example, energy suppliers will have to carry out regular inspections of supply lines to check for unwanted methane gas emissions and repair leaks as soon as possible. Traditional methods for doing this are both extremely time-consuming and vulnerable to errors. Drones equipped with suitable sensors can increase the efficiency and accuracy of measurement campaigns and thus help to comply with the strict requirements of the Methane Directive and also provide the required level of evidence. UAV DACH member Beagle Systems, for example, is already working intensively with its partner companies AIRMO and atmio to develop a UAS-based “full-service offering” for network operators. In addition to airborne emission data collection, the system includes AI-supported evaluation of the data and, if necessary, the integration of additional contact measurements on the ground and automated reporting that complies with the strict requirements of the EU regulation.

This is a good example of how the innovation potential of unmanned aviation can be used not only in an economically sustainable way, but also for the benefit of all.