As we return to the World Biogas Expo this week, the spotlight has shifted from purely technical capabilities to something more fundamental. Responsible leadership now takes centre stage. Over the past year, my work at both Callala and Sixty7.Green has focused on how innovation can help businesses become more transparent. Satellite-based monitoring sits at the heart of this transformation. It reduces harm and improves commercial outcomes.
Last year, I spoke on behalf of Satellite Applications Catapult and the UK Space Agency about the growing use of satellite data for methane emissions monitoring. This covered energy and waste sectors. The review included an in-depth analysis of anaerobic digestion (AD) and biogas facilities. The industry response was telling. Many believe AD is inherently "green" and therefore exempt from scrutiny. The evidence suggests we're not always as clean as we think.
Methane Emissions & Losses
The UK Government's 2023 MEAD study revealed a range of methane loss rates. The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) led this work. These "emissions factors" ranged from as low as 5% to as high as 22%. These figures are based on real measurements. They represent lost product, lost revenue, and increased climate impact. At an average-sized UK AD facility, this could mean up to £200,000 in lost revenue annually. Replacement energy costs could exceed £400,000 per year.
Business Intelligence
What's often missing in these conversations is a simple truth. Knowing your emissions is just business intelligence. Sustainability isn't a burden. It's insight. Investors and lenders increasingly expect robust environmental disclosures. Methane emissions are climbing the regulatory agenda.
EU & UK Sustainability Reporting
At the EU level, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the accompanying European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) came into force in 2024. A follow-on legislative amendment is now in progress. This "omnibus" amendment aims to reduce the reporting burden for many companies. It introduces more quantitative metrics for comparability and rigour. The UK initially aimed to implement aligned Sustainability Disclosure Standards (UKSDS) in early 2025. This is now in a consultation phase. The UK approach is expected to incorporate many of the pragmatic adjustments seen in the EU's omnibus approach.
The Role of Satellites
This is where satellites come in. Systems like GHGsat are already capable of detecting emissions above 100kg/hr. They offer the highest fidelity available on the commercial market. Other satellite operators and sensor manufacturers are developing the next generation of constellations. These target a threshold of around 10kg/hr. This brings smaller emitters within scope over time.
The Environment Agency is already using satellite data to detect emissions and engage with operators. This helps reduce greenhouse gas releases and optimise biomethane recovery. This signals a shift toward more independent and scalable monitoring tools.
The Journey Ahead
From our perspective, the journey ahead, at least conceptually, is quite clear:
Start by measuring through short-term terrestrial and satellite monitoring
Act on findings by limiting emissions and maximising retained energy value
Stay ahead of regulation by aligning early with expected disclosure standards
At Callala, we believe methane monitoring is no longer just a technical challenge. It's a leadership opportunity. We're ready to support organisations that want to get ahead.
Talk to us.
Written by: Andrew Iwanoczko, CEO at Callala and Senior Consultant at Sixty7.Green
Graphic Design: Victoria Beall
