Introduction

In an incredible advancement for environmental monitoring, the Dutch TROPOMI space instrument is now providing daily global maps of carbon monoxide (CO) levels in the atmosphere. Researchers from SRON and TNO have unveiled a pivotal study that analyzes CO emissions over the past year from the 21 largest steel plants in Europe. This significant research is accessible through a preprint on EGUsphere.

Revolutionary Monitoring Technology

Satellites like TROPOMI offer a revolutionary method to monitor emission sources worldwide. This technology not only delivers consistent and transparent data but also levels the playing field for companies bound by emission regulations. Upcoming European space missions, including CO2M and TANGO, are set to further enhance emissions monitoring by focusing on carbon dioxide (CO2), crucial for verifying compliance with the Paris climate agreement.

The Role of TROPOMI

The TROPOMI instrument, which operates aboard ESA's Sentinel-5P satellite, specializes in capturing emissions of the toxic gas CO with unmatched daily coverage. Within the European Union, businesses that generate significant CO emissions are required to report these figures annually. The steel sector, as the largest industrial contributor to CO emissions, stands out in this context. Unfortunately, many companies have historically used variable reporting methods that do not always rely on accurate direct measurements.

Mapping CO Emissions

A dedicated research team from the Netherlands, led by Gijs Leguijt from SRON/TNO, has successfully used TROPOMI to create a detailed mapping of CO emissions from these major steel plants throughout 2019. Remarkably, these 21 plants collectively account for a staggering 77% of Europe's steel production and 7% of output worldwide. The satellite data corroborate the emissions figures reported by the majority of the monitored facilities.

Implications of Satellite Monitoring

Leguijt emphasizes the implications of this breakthrough: “Governments have traditionally relied on companies to self-report their emissions. Now, measurements from space provide governments with powerful new tools to accurately estimate emissions from individual plants.” This innovative approach not only enhances transparency and accountability within the industry but also empowers regulatory bodies to take action against excessive emissions, a critical step towards a more sustainable future.

Conclusion

As the fight against climate change intensifies, this technology could reshape the steel manufacturing landscape and potentially serve as a model for other industries. Stay tuned — this could be just the beginning for satellite-based environmental monitoring!