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Sign upNovember 4, 2024
NaTran
Bois-Colombes
The vast majority of transmission pipeline infrastructure is currently inspected using helicopters and airplanes, which emit between 100 kg and 1 tonne of CO₂-equivalent per hour of flight. In Europe, there are more than 200,000 km of transmission pipelines, which are inspected every two weeks for surveillance purposes and once a year for methane leak detection.
The HyLighter was tested over a 40 km section of pipeline belonging to NaTran and Teréga, the two French Transmission System Operators (TSOs). The goal was to simultaneously conduct visual surveillance inspections using cameras and detect methane leaks using a CH₄ laser detector. NaTran placed simulated leaks along the pipeline to test the HyLighter’s detection capabilities.
The operation was carried out in automatic mode: the HyLighter captured surveillance images and successfully detected all simulated leaks. NaTran and HyLight are now preparing for larger-scale operations.
The HyLighter offers a dramatic reduction in environmental impact, cutting direct emissions from approximately 1 tonne of CO₂-equivalent per hour (typical for helicopters) to zero during flight. Indirectly, it enhances methane leak detection - capturing even the smallest leaks thanks to its low-altitude, high-precision capabilities. This is critical given that methane emissions from the energy sector account for about 6% of global annual greenhouse gas emissions.
Economically, the HyLighter is more cost-effective to operate at scale compared to traditional helicopter-based inspections. Beyond operational savings, it also helps recover valuable resources - methane leaks result in an estimated $7 billion in lost product annually for the Western oil and gas industry.
The HyLighter is a zero-emission airship designed to inspect energy infrastructures, and specifically methane leaks and power lines, in a more sustainable way. Powered by clean hydrogen, it can fly for up to 10 hours, covering long distances while using advanced sensors to collect precise data. Unlike traditional helicopters, which are costly and emit high levels of CO2, the HyLighter offers an eco-friendly, cost-effective solution. It detects issues, such as methane leaks, with high accuracy, helping companies maintain their networks efficiently and supporting global efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
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