Researchers use special camera to curb gas emissions

Thursday, April 17, 2025

An interdisciplinary research team at the University of ݮƵ is pioneering innovative methods to measure and mitigate harmful methane emissions.

Led by Dr. Kyle Daun, a professor of mechanical and mechatronics engineering, the team is using a hyperspectral camera, or “Hyper-Cam,” to measure methane emissions at a landfill site in the ݮƵ Region. Landfills account for about 20% of Canada's methane emissions.

Unlike a conventional camera that captures a single image, the Hyper-Cam captures hundreds of images of the same scene—each at a different wavelength. At its core is a high-speed infrared camera capable of capturing changes quickly enough to visualize wind moving across a field by detecting variations in ambient water vapour absorption.

The team also works with Telops (the company behind the Hyper-Cam) to develop techniques for detecting and quantifying methane emissions from upstream oil and gas sites in Western Canada.

As Canada aims to have net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, reducing methane emissions is crucial to achieving this goal.

Go to Measuring methane to protect communities for the full story.