LongPath Technologies' Methane Monitoring Tech to See Deployment in American Mid-, Southwest

Colorado-based emissions monitoring technology provider LongPath Technologies has received a conditional commitment for an up to $189 million loan guarantee from the U.S. Department of Energy. The loan will support the scaling of LongPath methane detection and quantification technology to include 1000 large-area remote methane monitors across key U.S. oil and gas production basins in six U.S. states.

A LongPath Methane Emissions Overwatch Central Node in Texas. LongPath has received an up to $189 million loan from the Department of Energy to scale its Active Emissions Overwatch system across key U.S. oil and gas production basins. Courtesy of LongPath Technologies.

Traditional methane monitoring technology commonly relies on infrequent flyovers and optical gas imaging cameras only, LongPath said — in methods that leave gaps in time and fidelity of intermittent and super-emitter leak detection. LongPath's technology, highlighted by its Active Emissions Overwatch system, provides continuous monitoring and quantification of methane emissions in real time. According to the company's website, the technology uses a continuous line sensor system, and projects eye-safe, invisible laser beams to monitor one or multiple facilities simultaneously, quantifying emission rates down to as low as 0.06 kg/h within minutes.

The technology, the company said, has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by ~90% compared to incumbent methods and offers 10× greater detection levels and 2 to 3× greater accuracy compared to point sensors.