In Kazakhstan, a methane leakage of 127,000 tons was reported, a major climate event that occurred from June to December 2023. This massive spill resulted in greenhouse gas emissions comparable to those generated by more than 700,000 cars in a year, ranking as the second largest known methane release, second only to the leak related to the Nord Stream pipeline sabotage in 2022.
The incident was documented by a collaborative study between the Netherlands Space Research Institute and the Polytechnic University of Valencia, using Kayrros satellite data.
The extent and duration of this leakage, according to Manfredi Caltagirone of the UN International Methane Emissions Observatory, are exceptionally abnormal and represent a significant climate challenge.
Incident details and initial response
The leak began with an explosion on June 9, 2023 in the Karaturun East field, causing a fire that compromised safety equipment and resulted in the well going out of control. Initial attempts to contain the leak, including injecting water into the well, were only partially successful in reducing it.
It was not until the end of the year, with the application of sludge through a deep probe, that the flow of methane was stopped. methane.
The accident after the methane leak
The analysis was based on the evaluation of 48 satellite surveys, which allowed scientists to estimate the well’s methane flux over six months. The results highlight the magnitude of the event in Kazakhstan, only eclipsed by the sabotage of Nord Stream 1 and 2, which resulted in even greater emissions.
The significant methane leakage in Kazakhstan underscores the urgent need to monitor and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. This event not only highlights the technical and environmental challenges associated with the oil and gas industry, but also reinforces the importance of moving towards more sustainable practices and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels to protect the global climate.
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Source: sustainabilityenvironment.com
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