#Austria #Methane Emissions #Picarro #Netz Niederösterreich #Maria Enzersdorf

Pioneering Methane Emission Management in Austria

Picarro Inc. and Netz Niederösterreich (Netz NÖ) have reached a significant milestone by completing a large-scale methane emissions inspection project within a tight deadline, aligning with the recently enforced EU Methane Regulation. This collaboration highlights the commitment of both organizations to environmental responsibility and regulatory compliance.

In less than four months, Netz Niederösterreich undertook the extensive inspection of 7,500 kilometers of gas infrastructure using cutting-edge mobile leak detection technology from Picarro. This proactive initiative was a strategic response to the new EU regulation that mandates high-precision leak detection surveys for mid- and low-pressure gas systems. Operators are now required to provide accurate measurements of methane emissions, which necessitates a shift from estimation-based to measurement-based data collection.

The EU Methane Regulation, effective from early 2025, establishes mandatory Type 2 inspections, which stipulate robust monitoring and reporting practices. Operators must submit annual reports to national authorities starting February 2026, detailing site-level findings. This regulation is part of the EU's broader commitment to combat climate change and enhance transparency in emissions reporting.

Recognizing the urgency of compliance, Netz NÖ launched a competitive tender in early 2025 to conduct inspections across their entire gas infrastructure network. The project demanded comprehensive coverage, addressing leak indications while efficiently utilizing resources within the limited timeframe.

Thomas Wagner, the Head of the Gas Detection Team for Netz Niederösterreich, noted that after conducting a successful pilot in two regions last autumn, Picarro's technology was instrumental in inspecting vast sections of their network swiftly and efficiently. "This technology allowed us to monitor large volumes of our network in a timeframe that was otherwise unattainable," Wagner stated.

As part of this project, Picarro rapidly mobilized to deploy their innovative mobile leak detection solutions, demonstrating the capacity of their technology to adapt and meet tight deadlines. François-Xavier Rongère, Vice President at Picarro, remarked on the partnership, emphasizing, "This opportunity allowed us to showcase our technology's rapid scalability to conform to the EU Methane Regulation. We are excited to continue collaborating with Netz NÖ to utilize the data-driven insights from our technology in formulating effective emissions reduction strategies."

The successful completion of this project marks a significant advancement in methane emissions management for Austria. The outcomes include:

• - Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The inspections contribute to lowering overall emissions across the vast region's gas network.
• - Regulatory Compliance: Netz NÖ enhances its standards of environmental stewardship and compliance with EU regulations.
• - Data-Driven Insights: The collaboration provides crucial information that will assist in strategic asset management and the continuous improvement of emissions reduction initiatives.

About Netz Niederösterreich

Netz Niederösterreich GmbH is one of the leading gas distribution system operators in Austria, managing over 13,800 kilometers of gas infrastructure. The company plays a pivotal role in ensuring reliable natural gas delivery to approximately 285,000 consumers, while also integrating innovative technologies such as smart metering into their operations.

About Picarro

Picarro is recognized globally for its advanced solutions in Network Intelligence and methane emissions reduction, empowering natural gas operators with tools that enhance risk management while maintaining safety and compliance. The company’s technology is designed to enable proactive leak management, assess system health continuously, and optimize cost efficiencies across operations.

For further details, visit Picarro's website.