Technology Roadmap for Compressor Station Methane Emissions and Mitigation Scenarios

Overview

Main Objective

The primary deliverable for the project will be a technology roadmap/framework to assist operators of natural gas compressor station facilities that are navigating the difficult and sometimes uncertain landscape of new technologies/methodologies for monitoring, quantifying, and reducing methane emissions from these facilities. This effort will ultimately result in the implementation of the framework and the reduction of methane emissions.

Public Abstract

GTI Energy (GTI) will leverage extensive natural gas supply chain-wide experience to develop a technology roadmap of the design considerations, equipment options, and monitoring technologies that can be implemented on new and existing natural gas compressor station facilities to drive methane emission mitigation/reduction efforts. The extensive effort will be divided into 3 focus areas:

1. gathering and distillation of existing information for on-going development efforts;
2. quantification of potential methane emission reductions through implementation of new technologies at compressor station facilities; and
3. technology roadmap development.

Anticipated Results: The primary deliverable for the project will be a technology roadmap to assist operators of natural gas compressor station facilities that are navigating the difficult and sometimes uncertain landscape of new technologies/methodologies for monitoring, quantifying, and reducing methane emissions from these facilities. This effort will ultimately result in a road map that can be followed to ultimately reduce methane emissions.

Potential Impact on Safety: Leaks or emissions of methane at compressor station facilities have impacts on both the environment/climate and on safety. Reduction of the release of flammable gases at natural gas compressor station facilities, such as methane, will ultimately reduce both impacts

Summary and Conclusions

This project focused on methane emissions from natural gas transmission compressor stations, identifying key equipment and leak points where methane escapes. By reviewing existing leak detection, monitoring, and quantification methods, the team developed a Technology Roadmap and interactive Spreadsheet Model to help operators detect leaks and evaluate options to reduce emissions. Mitigation strategies fall into three categories: direct recovery, operational improvements, and equipment upgrades or replacements. These tools assist companies in balancing leak detection and emission reductions with operational costs and feasibility. The project underscores that addressing methane leaks at compressor stations is complex, with no simple "quick fix," requiring informed decisions for effective, cost-efficient solutions.

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