The Future of Green Energy is in the Air

Norwegian energy giant Equinor is taking a bold step toward a greener future by deploying cutting-edge drone technology to tackle methane emissions. In a groundbreaking move, the state-owned company has awarded a multi-million euro contract to Danish green tech innovator Explicit to survey methane emissions across its Norwegian assets. This ambitious project will cover 39 offshore platforms on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS) and three onshore facilities, all set to be surveyed in 2025.

Equinor’s commitment to reducing emissions is no small feat. The company aims to slash emissions by 50% by 2030, ramp up to a 70% reduction by 2040, and achieve near-zero emissions from its oil and gas production by 2050. This drone-driven initiative is a critical piece of that puzzle, leveraging advanced technology to monitor and mitigate methane leaks—a potent greenhouse gas that significantly contributes to global warming.

Sniffer Drones: The Game-Changer in Emission Monitoring

At the heart of this project is Explicit’s Drone Flux Measurement (DFM) Method, a revolutionary approach that uses “sniffer drones” to detect and quantify methane emissions. These drones are equipped with advanced sensors capable of measuring fugitive methane emissions from entire sites, including the efficiency of flare systems used to burn off excess gas.

“The main challenge is reliably quantifying emissions from a full site,” explains Jon Knudsen, CEO of Explicit. “If we can measure how much methane is being released and identify the biggest sources, we can help operators strategically reduce emissions.”

The drones are particularly effective for offshore surveys, where traditional methods are often impractical. By flying over water and hard-to-reach areas, these high-tech sniffers provide accurate, real-time data that can drive actionable insights.

A Global Collaboration for a Greener Tomorrow

To bring this project to life, Explicit is expanding its operations, opening new offices in Norway to complement its headquarters in Denmark and its presence in Germany and Australia. The company is also partnering with UK-based Cyberhawk Innovations, a leader in drone pilot operations, to ensure seamless execution of the surveys.

This collaboration is part of Equinor’s broader commitment to methane reporting under the UN Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0. By embracing innovative technologies like drones, Equinor is setting a new standard for environmental accountability in the energy sector.

“This contract is a milestone for us,” says Knudsen. “Equinor’s dedication to mitigating methane emissions and their willingness to adopt cutting-edge solutions like drones is inspiring. We’re excited to work with them on this critical mission.”

Why This Matters

Methane is a greenhouse gas with a global warming potential 28 times greater than carbon dioxide over a 100-year period. Tackling methane emissions is essential for combating climate change, and Equinor’s drone-driven initiative is a shining example of how technology can lead the charge.

As the energy sector continues to evolve, projects like this demonstrate that innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand. With sniffer drones soaring over the Norwegian Continental Shelf, the future of emission monitoring is looking brighter—and cleaner—than ever.