Satellite Remote Sensing of Methane Point Sources: A Review of Capabilities and Applications

Abstract. The ability to remotely sense methane point sources continues to grow, driven by new satellite launches, newly discovered detection capabilities in satellites not originally intended for methane observation, and increasingly mature data processing and delivery pipelines. We review current and anticipated satellite remote sensing capabilities, including a description of instrument specifications, sampling strategies, and data availability. We detail algorithms that drive general methane plume processing pipelines and associated validation experiments across multiple product levels. We describe categories of stakeholder and science driven use cases that use satellite point source datasets. In particular, we detail several mitigation programs that use satellite point source detections to inform leak detection and verification (e.g., IMEO Methane Alert and Response System; California Satellite Methane Project). We also summarize research to date that incorporates point source datasets to inform practices to reduce emissions and aid aggregate accounting of emissions from facilities to regional scales. Continued work to establish common validation standards and reference sites to make detection and quantification performance comparable across instruments is recommended for building increased confidence in plume datasets. However, the successful integration of satellite point source imager observations into stakeholder workstreams demonstrates that these datasets are equipped today to support climate policy, operator response, and emissions accounting.