Understanding the sources of methane emissions in the Surat Basin, Queensland

April 5th, 2024

This project will determine the potential sources of methane in air samples collected in the Western Downs Region of Queensland by using innovative sampling and analytical methods developed by CSIRO.

Methane is the main component of coal seam gas (CSG). In the CSG-rich Western Downs region of Queensland,
there are gaps in our knowledge about the various sources of methane. CSIRO’s Gas Industry Social and Environmental Research Alliance (GISERA) will undertake research designed to fill these gaps.

CSIRO scientists will collect air samples at selected sites and facilities in a defined study area, and then determine the different sources (both human-made and natural) of methane. This will be done by using carbon and hydrogen isotopic signatures.