Developing Measurement-Informed Methane Emissions Inventory Estimates at Midstream Compressor Stations
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Natural gas transmissions and storage compressor stations account for the largest share of anthropogenic methane (CH 4 ) emissions in New York State (NYS). Yet, NYS’s CH 4 emissions inventory is based on measurements that are a decade old and potentially unlikely to be representative of NYS operations. Here, we present results from a comprehensive, multiscale aerial CH 4 measurement campaign across all NYS transmission and storage compressor stations. We find a skewed emissions distribution, with 20% of stations accounting for 74% of total CH 4 emissions. Emissions at engine-driven compressor stations are, on average, 3–4× higher than emissions at turbine-driven compressor stations, thus demonstrating the need for separate emissions factors for engine- and turbine-drive compressor stations. Overall, measurement-informed emissions inventory from midstream transmission and storage compressor stations in NYS is 72% and 69% lower than the current NYS inventory, respectively. We estimate updated emissions factors of 464 [95% CI: 162–920] metric ton (MT) CH 4 /station/yr and 139 [97, 191] MT CH 4 /station/yr for engine- and turbine-based transmission compressor stations, respectively. Similarly, we estimate an updated emissions factor of 413 [164, 733] MT CH 4 /station/yr for engine-based storage compressor stations. These updated emissions factors, along with improved activity data, enable effective reconciliation of NYS inventory with measured emissions.
Source: ACS ES&T Air
Language: English
Subfield: Global and Planetary Change
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Climate action
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,500
Awards: G2904375992, G2945152075
OpenAlex ID: W4408065455