JGC Joins Satellite Project to Improve Methane Emissions Monitoring
JGC Corporation has joined a Japanese government-backed technology demonstration project to verify the use of satellite data for identifying and measuring greenhouse gas emissions, supporting efforts to improve methane monitoring across the global LNG industry.
The project, commissioned by the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC), will assess the accuracy of satellite-based methane detection and quantification technologies using the Global Observing Satellite for Greenhouse Gases and Water Cycle (GOSAT-GW), which was launched in June 2025.
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation has been selected as the lead contractor for the initiative, with JGC Corporation participating alongside Satellite Data Service Co., Ltd., Mitsubishi Electric Software Corporation, GHGSat Inc. and other organisations. The project will run from August 2026 until February 2027.
As part of the programme, methane emission detection and measurement technologies will be tested at a facility in the United States. The project will also evaluate whether the resulting data can be used to support international reporting requirements, including the United Nations Environment Programme’s Oil and Gas Methane Partnership (OGMP) 2.0 framework, which promotes greater transparency and accuracy in methane emissions reporting.
JGC Corporation will contribute its expertise in methane emissions management for natural gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) production facilities, supporting field validation activities and assessing how satellite-derived emissions data aligns with international reporting standards.
Methane has become an increasingly important focus for the energy industry due to its high global warming potential and its role as the primary component of natural gas. Improving the detection and measurement of methane leaks is seen as a key step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening environmental reporting and improving operational efficiency across LNG supply chains.
JGC brings extensive experience to the project, having completed more than 20,000 engineering projects in over 80 countries. The company has also provided engineering, procurement and construction services for more than 30% of the world’s LNG liquefaction trains, including major developments such as LNG Canada and Ichthys LNG.
Alongside its engineering business, JGC has developed HiGHGuard®, a greenhouse gas emissions quantification service that helps operators measure and manage emissions from industrial facilities. The company said this expertise will support efforts to validate satellite-based methane monitoring technologies and contribute to wider decarbonisation initiatives.
The project aligns with JGC Group’s new BSP2030 mid-term management plan, announced in May 2026, which focuses on addressing industrial and environmental challenges through advanced technology and engineering solutions.
By combining satellite observation with on-the-ground verification, the initiative aims to improve the accuracy of greenhouse gas emissions measurement while supporting global efforts to reduce methane emissions, enhance LNG supply chain transparency and strengthen energy security.
