UN warns Chevron after satellite finds huge methane plume in WA
Satellite measurements showed massive methane plumes from Chevron's Gorgon plant, triggering a UN warning.
A satellite detected huge methane clouds from Chevron's Gorgon natural gas plant off Western Australia's coast. August measurements showed about 7.8 tonnes of methane per hour, equal to about 51 cars running for one year.
The level exceeded a US EPA standard for a 'super emitter' event and triggered a UN warning to Chevron. Western Australia's government said it is investigating what rules may apply.
Chevron said it received the warning and is working with the UN environment program to address it. The company says satellite monitoring has 'a wide range of uncertainty'.
The plant's carbon capture system has worked poorly since starting in 2016.
- 7.8 tonnes per hour
- Emission rate in August
- 51 petrol-powered cars
- Car equivalent per year
- 25 per cent
- Methane's share of global warming
- 80 times
- Methane more harmful than CO2
Why it mattersMethane causes about 25 per cent of global warming. Uncontrolled methane from major plants is a serious climate concern.
AustraliaAustralia is a major LNG exporter, and emissions from facilities like Gorgon directly affect Australia's greenhouse gas reporting and international climate commitments.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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