Research at CMERI: Advancing Methane Solutions
At the Center for Methane Emissions Research and Innovation (CMERI), our research is centered on three critical areas: methane mitigation, methane measurement, and digital twins. These focus areas drive our mission to reduce methane emissions through cutting-edge science and technology. Through these research pillars, CMERI is at the forefront of developing solutions that reduce methane emissions, enhance measurement accuracy, and leverage digital innovation to drive meaningful environmental impact.
Methane Mitigation
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas with a significant impact on climate change. Mitigation research explores innovative methods to reduce emissions at their source, such as advanced combustion techniques, biogas utilization, and leak repair technologies. By developing scalable and cost-effective solutions, we aim to help industries and policymakers meet emissions reduction goals. CMERI's mitigation focus is on looking at biogas mitigation options for methane reduction as well as looking at biochar production and their applications to dairy farms.
Methane Measurement
Accurate and efficient methane detection is essential for both regulatory compliance and emission reduction efforts. Our research focuses on state-of-the-art measurement strategies, including drone-based sensors, mobile monitoring platforms, and real-time analytics. These tools enable precise quantification of emissions, helping industries identify and address leaks more effectively.
Digital Twins
Digital twin technology revolutionizes methane research by creating virtual models of real-world systems. By integrating sensor data, machine learning / big data, and physics-based simulations, we develop digital replicas of the methane emission sources and apply them at various sites (e.g. natural gas infrastructure) under specified environmental conditions. These models allow us to predict emissions behavior, optimize sensor placement, and improve mitigation strategies with unprecedented accuracy.
----
last updated 3/17/2025 by Dr. Derek Hollenbeck
