PAO NOVATEK announced that the Company’s subsidiary NOVATEK-Yurkharovneftegas has launched a project for methane leak monitoring with the use of unmanned aerial vehicles . The initiative forms part of the Comprehensive Environmental and Climate Change Targets Program as well as development of a multi-level leak detection system.

Using UAVs for methane leak monitoring enables more accurate and faster measurements as well as lower costs compared to other monitoring methods.

The project involves using domestically-sourced UAVs to inspect the facilities of the Yurkharovskoye field, one of the largest in the Company’s portfolio, and the West- Yaroyakhinskiy license area, spanning almost 100 hectares as well as a 50-km long section of NOVATEK’s gas pipeline. Designed with hypersensitive gas analyzers, UAVs are equipped to operate in remote areas and deliver real-time video feed within a range of up to 50 km.

The UAVs are an important element of the multi-level methane leak detection system, which includes satellite imaging and ground monitoring during site tours.