In this episode, Dr. Sean Crowell interviews Dr. Caroline Alden, the Chief Science Officer of Long Path. Long Path is an advanced methane monitoring startup with a simple goal: provide continuous monitoring of upstream oil & gas facilities to improve operations and lower methane emissions. They accomplish this goal using a high precision laser absorption spectrometer to create a "laser fence line monitor" around potential emission sources.

Have a listen to hear about Caroline's transition from carbon cycle scientist studying isotopes to the exciting world of an environmental monitoring startup.

keywords

methane monitoring, laser spectroscopy, climate change, oil and gas, emissions reduction, atmospheric science, OGMP 2.0, ARPA-E, environmental technology

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

01:27 Caroline Alden’s Career Path and Climate Focus

01:39 Transition from Geology to Atmospheric Science

04:30 The ARPA-E Program and Innovation in Methane Detection

09:14 Long Path’s Mission and Industry Impact

13:19 Understanding VOCs and VRUs in Oil & Gas

14:39 Adapting from Academic to Industry Work

16:36 Ground-Based Laser Spectroscopy Technology

22:33 Market Adoption and Cost Effectiveness

27:01 Data Delivery and User Needs

33:35 Regulatory Relationships and Standards

42:05 Future Directions and Market Expansion

46:40 Impact on Climate and Industry Collaboration

Long Path Technologies - https://longpathtech.com/

OGMP 2.0 - https://www.unep.org/resources/report/ogmp-20-guidelines-methane-management

ARPA-E Program - https://arpa-e.energy.gov/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-alden/

Summary

In this episode, Sean Crowell interviews Dr. Kelsey Bilsback from PSE Healthy Energy, focusing on the intersection of air quality, health, and energy policy. Kelsey shares her journey from studying particle physics at CERN to her current role in air quality modeling, emphasizing the importance of understanding the health impacts of energy use, particularly in the oil and gas sector. The conversation delves into the Methane Risk Map, a tool developed by PSE Healthy Energy to assess the health risks associated with methane emissions from extraction facilities. Kelsey explains how the map combines satellite data with a gas composition database to quantify hazardous air pollutants and their potential health impacts on nearby communities.

The discussion also highlights the challenges of ensuring that scientific research informs policy decisions, particularly regarding vulnerable populations. Kelsey emphasizes the need for better data availability and coordination among states to improve air quality regulations. The episode concludes with a look at future projects, including expanding the Methane Risk Map internationally and exploring the health impacts of landfills, underscoring the critical role of science in advocating for public health and environmental protection.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Kelsey Bilsback and Her Background

03:37 Transitioning to Air Quality and Health Research

09:48 The Methane Risk Map: A New Tool for Understanding Emissions

13:58 Health Risks Associated with Methane Emissions

21:47 Stakeholders and Community Engagement with the Methane Risk Map

26:42 Future Directions and Expanding the Methane Risk Map

32:41 Closing Thoughts and Importance of Data Accessibility

In this conversation, Sean Crowell and Pete Roos discuss the innovative technologies developed by Bridger Photonics for measuring greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane. They explore the power of LiDAR technology, the importance of accurate measurements, and the company's mission to simplify emissions reduction for the oil and gas industry. The discussion also touches on the significance of statistical analysis in emissions data, the evolution of emission factors, and the future of measurement technologies, including new developments and collaborations with regulatory bodies.

Keywords

Bridger Photonics, laser technology, emission reduction, LiDAR, greenhouse gases, environmental sensing, methane emissions, measurement accuracy, regulatory compliance, innovation