The challenge
Emissions tracking technologies
We work with industry, regulators and co-located communities to accurately measure, monitor and verify greenhouse gas (GHG) emission profiles which are generated as a consequence of finding, producing and using hydrocarbons in Australia.
As part of our energy system transition, hydrocarbons currently represent the majority of Australia's energy mix, providing a significant contribution to our national economy with more than two thirds Australia's hydrocarbon production exported - including more than 80% of our coal, 70+% of our gas and almost 100% of our oil.
GHG emissions research is therefore critical in providing evidence-based information to support decision pathways for companies and organisations to understand, mitigate and reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to help meet Australia's net zero targets.
GHG emissions reduction in the energy sector is an important component of our pathway to net zero emissions. According to the International Energy Association, reducing methane emissions from the energy sector is one of the best – and most affordable – opportunities to limit global warming in the near term.
A critical step in understanding the GHG emissions challenge is having an accurate picture of where the problem lies for different industries. We are addressing this gap by developing research solutions and bespoke technologies for pre-exploration baseline assessments, quantification of infrastructure emissions and long-term monitoring.
Who are we
Working from backgrounds in chemistry, engineering, remote sensing, environmental science and management, our team of emissions measurement scientists and engineers specialise in understanding and characterising the hydrocarbon industry's GHG emissions challenges.
Our foundation is built on a decades-long history of working with the energy sector, regulators and co-located industries and communities. This includes hydrocarbon exploration and production such as coal, oil, and gas as well as next generation energy industries such as subsurface storage of hydrogen and compressed air.
Every site's emissions challenge is distinctive, requiring a unique mix of standard measurement tools and approaches. Studying a site collaboratively with clients enables the development of tailored baseline characterisation and monitoring solutions using a combination of techniques - from in-field atmospheric and soil analysers to remote sensing and bespoke autonomous monitoring systems.
The collected and verified data helps to inform decision-making including targeting emissions reduction efforts, guiding Australia's greenhouse gas estimation and accounting framework, and contributing to regional efforts such as the Northern Territory government's Strategic Regional Environmental and Baseline Assessment (SREBA).
Our response
Baselines assessments
Greenhouse gas measurements are critical inputs into the environmental baseline of future developments. These ambient gas concentration measurements provide a pre-development stocktake, essential for future measurement and understanding of potential impacts.
These assessments have been undertaken for major hydrocarbon fields in the Northern Territory's Beetaloo sub-basin, the Surat Basin in Queensland, and the Narrabri region in New South Wales. Assessments have been undertaken on foot, via vehicle, and through remote sensing via installed fixed continuous monitoring stations to record diurnal and seasonal trends.
Infrastructure measurements
We conduct greenhouse gas measurements of existing infrastructure, providing detailed information on the source and size of emissions from both the whole facility, down to an individual component level.
This information can then help target a site's emission reduction strategies. Through our specialist experience, we can determine the appropriate combination of technologies for the emission challenge of the site.
Typically, an initial survey is performed to locate the emission sources before the sources are then quantitatively measured using an appropriate method combined with a range of diverse technologies that we have available. The measurements performed usually do not require disruption to operational equipment, modification or shutdown. The preference is to measure under operating conditions to collect real-world scenarios.
Abandoned asset monitoring
We also conduct site investigations and design monitoring strategies to locate, quantify and monitor greenhouse gas emissions from abandoned or orphaned infrastructure, including real-time monitoring of temporal trends. Ambient air, sub-surface soil measurements or both are deployed depending on the site requirements.
The results
Trusted advisor
Our research provides trusted measurement and verification through desktop studies, independent reviews of greenhouse gas measurements, reporting methodologies and emission profiles of specific energy sectors.
Our collaboration across the span of CSIRO research expertise, engagement with the broader Australian research community and work with government departments is recognised in helping provide objective scientific data to inform Australia's greenhouse gas estimation and accounting framework.
Our research standing is recognised through our representations on and to independent panels and committees that advise the government, industry and co-located communities on emissions measurement and monitoring.