When the Nord Stream gas pipeline between Russia and Germany was damaged by mysterious explosions in 2022, the resulting leaks of methane were so big they could be seen from space. And, for one company, they were especially notable: they helped to prove its technology for detecting emissions by satellite.
Sat has focused on methane, which leaks when coal, gas or oil is extracted and transported. Other sources include farms and waste dumps. It is estimated to be responsible for 30 per cent of the rise in global temperatures since the Industrial Revolution, so cutting these emissions is a relatively easy way to combat climate change. But, until recently, there was no clear picture of where the methane was coming from.
Sat has 12 satellites in orbit and plans to launch four more this year, each monitoring emissions for clients in the oil and gas, waste management, and mining industries, as well as governments. It sits at number 21 on the FT-Statista list of the 500 fastest-growing companies in the Americas. Revenues at the company rose from a few hundred thousand dollars in 2019 to $20mn last year, and it now has nearly 150 staff.