Development of a certification scheme for shale gas emission measurement techniques

Completed

Fossil Fuels: Oil Gas and Coal(Oil and Gas, Other oil and gas)

Applied Research and Development

PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Physics)
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES (Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences)

Sociological economical and environmental impact of energy (Environmental dimensions)
Sociological economical and environmental impact of energy (Policy and regulation)

Project Contact
National Physical Laboratory (NPL)

Feasibility Study

Innovate UK

01 April 2015

31 December 2015

9 months

£81,456

London

Competition Call: 1406_FS_ENRG_SG - Shale Gas. Activity Developing technologies for safe and responsible exploration of shale gas

Project Contact, National Physical Laboratory (NPL)

With shale gas exploration being such a new area of business there is no standardisation of measurement approach or assumptions for emission calculations. The measurement problem is complex and not all sensors or methodologies are fit for purpose. In the United States this has led to a fragmented approach with no agreed practices and therefore a very large spread in reported emissions from similar processes. The project aims to provide independent validation of sensors and measurement protocols under controlled, traceable conditions to stimulate the development of monitoring technologies and provide regulators with a trusted industry accreditation scheme for measurements. This will allow robust measurements of emissions from all areas of shale gas extraction. By developing a standardised approach to measurement method assessment using traceable mass emission profiles, this project will help underpin the UK measurement industry and enable the UK to lead the world in the understanding of fugitive emissions from shale gas exploitation and be able to provide a solid framework for uderpining standardisation / regulation.

06/08/15