Study Reveals Uniqueness of SDGSAT-1 in Detecting Offshore Oil and Gas Flaring

A study published in the International Journal of Digital Earth on December 25 introduces a pioneering application of the Sustainable Development Science Satellite-1 (SDGSAT-1) in observing offshore oil and gas platforms. Researchers from the Aerospace Information Research Institute (AIR) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences leveraged the advanced capabilities of SDGSAT-1's Glimmer Imager (GLI) and Thermal Infrared Spectrometer (TIS) to probe the gas flaring activities in the South China Sea.

Offshore oil and gas platforms are vital to energy production but pose significant environmental risks, including emissions from gas flaring. Monitoring these platforms across vast and dynamic oceanic regions has long been a challenge. This study bridges that gap by combining the visible light detection of GLI and thermal imaging of TIS to offer a novel, synergistic approach to mapping the operations of these platforms.

The researchers developed an innovative algorithm using GLI's Pan and RGB bands to detect the distinctive reddish starbursts of gas flares. Remarkably, this study marks the first of its kind that nighttime light observations have been infused with color, a feature unique to SDGSAT-1's GLI sensor. This innovation produces vivid images of gas flares, which appear as large reddish clusters in the RGB imagery, helping to better monitor and understand these flaring activities.

Simultaneously, the TIS sensor captured high-temperature anomalies and even smoke plumes emanating from the platforms. This dual-sensing capability not only confirmed gas-flaring activities but also provided complementary insights into the platforms' heat emissions.

Through this advanced methodology, the study identified 113 oil and gas platforms amidst a complex maritime scene of islands, vessels, and other offshore facilities in the South China Sea. To date, this is the first application of nighttime visible bands for gas flaring observation, highlighting the potential of GLI RGB imagery in detecting industrial heat sources.

This research underscores SDGSAT-1's unique ability to track offshore oil and gas platforms, refine platform inventories, and deepen our understanding of their environmental impacts. By aligning with global sustainability goals such as SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water), the findings also contribute to the broader initiative to achieve Zero Routine Flaring by 2030.