Lessons From North America: Advancing Methane Detection and Management in South America with Airborne Technology

Methane, with a global warming potential over 80 times greater than CO2 on a 20-year horizon, is a critical greenhouse gas whose mitigation offers near-term climate benefits. Telops has developed the Hyper-Cam Airborne Mini (HCAM), a cutting-edge passive thermal infrared hyperspectral imaging system for methane detection, localization, and quantification. Performance validated in AMEP and blind-release campaigns, the system supports compliance with OGMP 2.0, EPA alternative test methods, and Alberta’s AER programs. This paper introduces the scientific principles, operational design, workflow, and validated field performance of the HCAM solution. With demonstrated detection capabilities in diverse environments—day or night, over land, snow, and water—the system meets the stringent expectations of operators, regulators, and global emissions standards.