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/