Industry feedback contributes to methane detection method

Researchers and industry representatives gathered for the second stakeholder workshop within the MEQAL project, an Interreg Aurora initiative led by Mid Sweden University in collaboration with the University of Oulu and Lapland University of Applied Sciences. The workshop gave project partners an opportunity to present recent progress while gathering feedback from companies and organisations with an interest in the technologies being developed.

MEQAL aims to develop innovative methods for detecting, locating and quantifying methane emissions by combining sensor networks, drone-based hyperspectral imaging and autonomous robotic systems. The goal is to provide more efficient and reliable methane monitoring for applications such as energy infrastructure, landfills and environmental monitoring.

During the workshop, stakeholders discussed how the technologies can best meet practical needs. Participants highlighted the importance of cost-effective, robust and user-friendly solutions, as well as reliable data processing and reporting to support both operational decisions and future regulatory requirements. The discussions also provided valuable input for the continued development of the project's planned methane test field in Rovaniemi, where the complete MEQAL methodology will be validated.

"Receiving feedback at this stage helps us focus our research on solutions that are not only scientifically strong but also practical and useful for future users," says Göran Thungström, project leader at Mid Sweden University.

The workshop marks another step in the three-year MEQAL project, funded by the EU Interreg Aurora programme. The insights gathered from stakeholders will now help shape the next phase of development.