Government of Canada supports world-leading Canadian satellite-based emissions detection system

Canada’s cleantech entrepreneurs are proving their power to take on today’s environmental challenges. Working in partnership with innovative companies, the Government of Canada is supporting the growth of a greener economy.

Today, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, and the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, announced an investment of $20 million in GHGSat, of Montréal, Quebec, through Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC). This is the third SDTC investment in GHGSat and part of a long-standing collaboration that has helped the company become an international leader in its sector.

GHGSat will use this funding to expand its fleet of high-tech satellites that track greenhouse gas emissions from the Earth’s orbit. Its space-based system for greenhouse gas monitoring uses spectrometer imaging to obtain high-resolution images of methane emissions. This technology will provide critical information to take action in the fight against climate change.

GHGSat also plans to establish secure infrastructure to manage its growing constellation of satellites and transform its data into high-value information products and analytics. Using its microsatellites, GHGSat is the only entity in the world capable of detecting methane emissions from sources 100 times smaller than those detected by other satellites. Its technology can detect and quantify methane emissions from point sources as small as individual oil and gas wells.

The Government of Canada is committed to investing in clean technology that lays the foundation for a stronger, greener and more sustainable economy that creates opportunities for all Canadians. Today’s investments will help grow our economy while supporting Canada’s ability to meet its 2030 climate commitments and reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Quotes

“There couldn’t be a better time to invest in a greener, more sustainable future for all Canadians. Our investment in GHGSat today will boost Canada’s leadership in climate technology and help this outstanding Canadian company shine on the global stage. It is a true Canadian success story.”
– The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

“Reducing methane emissions is one of the fastest and cheapest ways to slow the rate of warming and fight climate change. That’s why this investment comes at such a critical time. This week at the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), Canada joined a number of other countries in signing on to the Global Methane Pledge, while committing to a world-leading 75% reduction below 2012 levels in methane emissions from the oil and gas sector by 2030. Canadian innovations, such as GHGSat’s trailblazing satellite technology, can help track emissions and keep us on course. This Montréal-based start-up shows how Canadian business leadership and innovation will help create new opportunities as we work together for a more sustainable future.”
– The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

“World leaders have recognized the reduction of methane emissions as a top priority in addressing climate change. As we head into COP26, we will need better data to make informed decisions and to take action. Using satellite technology, GHGSat has demonstrated its leadership in identifying methane leaks around the world. With today’s funding, SDTC is proud to continue supporting GHGSat as it takes its methane monitoring and analytics to the next level.”
– Leah Lawrence, President and CEO of SDTC

Watch here to learn more about GHGSat.