PSE&G utilizing new technology to reduce methane leaks in gas distribution systems
Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G), New Jersey’s largest utility, is working alongside the Environmental Defense Fund and Google Earth Outreach to reduce methane leaks from natural gas distribution systems quicker than before thanks to new technology.
Using new technology developed by EDF, Google and Colorado State University, the utility can prioritize aging pipes to determine the replacement order during its three-year, $905 million gas infrastructure replacement program.
“Under our $905 million program, we are accelerating the modernization of our gas system, replacing 170 miles of pipe each year versus an average of 54 miles in the past,” said Ralph LaRossa, president and COO of PSE&G.
“Reducing methane is a serious challenge for utilities, but also a big opportunity. Using the data from EDF, we are able to keep safety paramount, while achieving more environmental value, at less cost and more quickly than before, which benefits both our customers and the climate,” he added.
The companies use a mapping car to measure the volume of gas escaping along the pipelines. PSE&G then utilizes the information gathered by the car to determine which problem area to address first. PSE&G was able to quickly reduce methane emissions from targeted areas by 82 percent, achieving emission reductions by replacing 35 percent fewer miles than originally projected.
EDF and partners began testing new technologies in 2014. PSE&G asked EDF to partner with the company in order to measure leaks in its natural gas distribution system, which is slated for replacement. PSE&G plans to replace more than 510 miles of cast-iron and unprotected steel gas lines by 2018.
