A study published in the International Journal of Digital Earth presents a novel application of the Sustainable Development Science Satellite-1 (SDGSAT-1) for 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 monitor gas flaring activities in the South China Sea.
Offshore oil and gas platforms are crucial for energy production but pose significant environmental risks, particularly due to emissions from gas flaring. Monitoring these platforms across large and dynamic oceanic regions has long been a challenge. This study addresses that issue by combining the visible light detection capabilities of the GLI with the thermal imaging of the TIS, offering a unique and synergistic approach to mapping platform operations.
The researchers developed an innovative algorithm using GLI's Pan and RGB (a color mode) bands to detect the distinctive reddish starbursts associated with gas flares. This innovation produced vivid images of gas flares, which appeared as large reddish clusters in the RGB imagery, thus improving monitoring and understanding of these flaring activities.
At the same time, the TIS sensor captured high-temperature anomalies and smoke plumes rising from the platforms. This dual-sensing capability not only confirmed the presence of gas flaring but also provided additional insights into the heat emissions from these platforms.
Using this approach, the study identified 113 oil and gas platforms within a complex maritime landscape of islands, vessels, and other offshore facilities in the South China Sea. This is the first application of nighttime visible bands specifically for monitoring gas flaring, emphasizing the potential of GLI RGB imagery for detecting industrial heat sources.
The research highlights SDGSAT-1's ability to track offshore oil and gas platforms, and refine platform inventories. By aligning with global sustainability goals, such as SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water), the findings contribute to the broader initiative aimed at achieving Zero Routine Flaring by 2030.
