Scaling Methane Management Across a Transmission Network

Challenge

Managing emissions across expansive transmission networks requires operators to coordinate monitoring, data management, field operations, and reporting across dispersed assets and teams.

One transmission operator sought to improve visibility into emission sources while consolidating multiple measurement activities, and built a scalable methane management framework capable of supporting long-term operational efficiency and emissions reduction goals.

Approach

The operator implemented an annual aerial methane measurement program across approximately 30,000 kilometers of pipeline infrastructure and roughly 40 facilities using Bridger’s Gas Mapping LiDAR® technology. Emissions data was integrated directly into field operations workflows, helping crews prioritize repairs, improve deployment efficiency, and better coordinate mitigation activities across the network.

The program also consolidated multiple measurement streams and monitoring activities into a more unified operational system. Instead of managing overlapping datasets and fragmented vendor workflows, the operator used recurring aerial measurements to create a more consistent and scalable view of methane performance across its infrastructure. Measurement data additionally supported broader reporting initiatives, including alignment with OGMP 2.0 reporting requirements.

Benefits

• Improved visibility into methane emissions across extensive pipeline and compressor infrastructure
• More targeted deployment of field crews and resources
• High efficiency: scaled quickly over infrastructure
• Fewer site visits, reduced excavation activity, and lower person-hour requirements

Emissions Insights

Bridger’s aerial methane measurements provided a consistent operational view of methane emissions across the operator’s geographically distributed transmission network. The recurring measurement program helped identify emission patterns, improve prioritization of field response activities, and support more efficient deployment of operational resources to the extensive asset base

Results

• Approximately $3M in captured gas value over a six-month period
• Approximately $690,000 in savings through vendor consolidation
• Reduced windshield time, reduced excavation activity, and reduced field labor requirements
• Improved prioritization and deployment efficiency for field crews and operational resources
• Eliminated significant time previously spent reconciling fragmented datasets and monitoring approaches
• Created a more streamlined and scalable methane management framework across the transmission network

Key Takeaway

This operator’s program demonstrates how consistent methane measurement at scale can simplify operations, improve coordination, and reduce operational costs while increasing gas retention across large transmission networks.

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