Using Satellite Technology to Measure Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Saudi Arabia

  • Focus Area Climate Change Policies and Governance Climate Change Policies and Governance
  • Type Discussion paper
  • Date 07 December 2023
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Abstract

Measuring and monitoring greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are crucial to address climate change and fulfill Paris Agreement objectives. This paper explores the potential of satellite technology in measuring and tracking CH4, CO2, and N2O emissions in Saudi Arabia, collaborating with environmental intelligence company Kayrros. The satellite estimates reveal significant disparities with other data providers, particularly in the oil and gas sector. The paper advocates for a combination of bottom-up and satellite methods to enhance comprehensiveness, transparency, accuracy, and timeliness in emission measurements. The study provides policy recommendations for Saudi Arabia, demonstrating how satellite technology can detect super-emitting events and offering solutions for regulatory action. Finally, it discusses limitations and calls for further investment in satellite technology to refine GHG emission estimates for better global climate action.

Authors

Anwar Gasim

Anwar Gasim

Principal Fellow- Climate and Sustainability Anwar is an energy and environmental economist with an engineering background and over a decade of research and advisory experience…

Anwar is an energy and environmental economist with an engineering background and over a decade of research and advisory experience around the areas of energy demand, greenhouse gas emissions, energy price reform, and carbon pricing. He currently leads multiple cross-functional teams on key projects tackling these areas, with a proven track record of publishing high-impact papers, providing consulting services to policymakers, and building the capabilities of talent within the organization. Anwar’s research has been published in leading energy and environmental journals and has been picked up by leading news media. Anwar also has experience transforming organizations, having been a member of task forces responsible for refreshing organizational strategy and building human capital.

Anwar is currently wrapping up a Ph.D. from UCL in Sustainable Resources (sub-specialization in Economics). He holds an M.Sc. from KAUST in Electrical Engineering and a B.Eng. from the University of Liverpool in Electronics and Communication Engineering.

Expertise

  • Energy price reform; Energy demand; Measuring GHG emissions; Carbon pricing; Carbon markets

Publications See all Anwar Gasim’s publications

Walid Matar

Walid Matar

Principal Fellow- Oil & Gas Walid works on modeling energy systems. He is developing or has developed the following components of the KAPSARC Energy Model…

Walid works on modeling energy systems. He is developing or has developed the following components of the KAPSARC Energy Model (KEM): electric power generation, oil refining, petrochemicals and fertilizers, cement production, and iron and steel. He is also working on a bottom-up residential electricity use framework that merges microeconomics with the physical laws governing electricity use.

Expertise

  • Energy Systems Modeling
  • Optimization
  • Electricity Prices
  • Energy Efficiency and the Interdisciplinary Connection Between Energy Economics and Engineering

Publications See all Walid Matar’s publications

Abdelrahman Muhsen

Abdelrahman Muhsen

Director- Geographic Information Solution Abdel is a geospatial leader, certified in GIS (GISP), with over 18 years of experience in GIS and spatial data…

Abdel is a geospatial leader, certified in GIS (GISP), with over 18 years of experience in GIS and spatial data management. He has a proven track record of leading and delivering enterprise GIS projects for international corporations in North America and the Middle East.

His work focuses on spatial economic modeling to better understand and forecast the interactions between economic activities, energy demand, land use, and transportation in urban areas.

Before KAPSARC, Abdel worked for world-renowned, global companies, such as Accenture and ESRI, in North America and the Middle East. He served as a technical leader and a senior consultant, guiding clients in the energy sector on how to extract value out of geospatial data assets and GIS investments. Abdel holds an M.Sc. in geomatics engineering from the University of Calgary, Canada.

Expertise

  • GIS
  • Sustainability
  • Urban Analytics
  • Location Intelligence
  • Spatial Data Science
  • Earth Observation and Remote Sensing

Publications See all Abdelrahman Muhsen’s publications

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