The major shortfall in reducing uncertainty in emission quantification is a dearth of data. Even though methane is emitted at the METEC site 5 to 7 days a week, 50-weeks a year, publicly available methane concentration and matching meteorological/micrometeorological data are not generally available (Testers’ sensor reading at METEC belong to the solution developers as paying clients of the facility.) Large data sets are necessary to test and validate new approaches to emissions detection and quantification—a delicate balance between computational complexity, accuracy, and precision.

METEC 2.0 includes eight autonomous mobile methane measurement units (AMMMU) to collect this critical data. Each AMMMU will comprise multiple sensor types measuring methane concentrations in air with different technologies. Meteorological and micrometeorological data will be collected as well.  AI engines will run QC/QA protocols on data in real time, which then will be livestreamed for instant access.  

The first prototype AMMMU will be built and deployed at METEC during H1 ‘24. An additional seven AMMMUs will be constructed and deployed in the following six months. Following this, all eight AMMMUs will be deployed when the METEC team conducts testing—at METEC or remote sites.

To ensure data collected by the AMMMU network is useful to solution developers and operators, we will form an advisory board early in the design phase (January – February 2024) to identify key requirements for measurement and modelling. Contact Stuart Riddick ([email protected]) for further information or to join the advisory board.

In addition to AMMMUs, the METEC facility at CSU will also host permanently-installed instruments that will produce a publicly-available data product.