the European Space Agency reports “the largest methane leak” ever detected by its satellites

The European Space Agency (ESA) reported Thursday, October 6 that a methane leak of approximately “79 tons per hour” had been recorded by satellites on September 30, above the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, the target of a likely “sabotage” according to the Swedish investigators in charge of the file. These emissions constitute “largest methane leak from a single source ever detected” by this satellite program.

On September 30, the observations made by the satellites @ghgsat estimated the emission rate derived from the 1st methane concentration measurement to be 79,000 kg/hour, the largest single-source methane release ever detected by GHGSat pic.twitter.com/LMlANiZYI8

— ESA France (@ESA_fr) October 6, 2022

“This emission rate is extremely high, especially since it was detected four days after the start of the leaks. [sur les gazoducs Nord Stream 1 et 2] and that it concerns only one of the four vanishing points”insisted the ESA (link in English)also recalling the environmental impact of the gas in question.

“Even though methane partially dissolves in water (…), it is the second most abundant anthropogenic greenhouse gas in our atmosphere, causing climate change”explained the agency, adding to be awaiting further investigations to determine the causes of the leak.

>> Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines: what is the impact of methane leaks on the climate?

Out of service because of the war in Ukraine, the Nord Stream gas pipelines linking Russia to Germany under the Baltic Sea were both affected by spectacular leaks preceded by underwater explosions at the end of September. Occurring suddenly, these leaks would be the consequence of“deliberate acts”, according to Denmark. Sweden has taken up an investigation for “aggravated sabotage” and thehe European Union has warned against any attack targeting its infrastructure.