Bridger Photonics announces methane leak detection contract with Pacific Gas & Electric
Published by Alfred Hamer,
Editorial Assistant
World Pipelines,
Bridger Photonics Inc., provider of methane detection and data for the oil and gas industry, has announced it is working with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation and one of the largest utility companies in the US. Through this collaboration, Bridger’s technology will help PG&E strengthen its efforts to detect and repair system leaks and reduce methane emissions across its natural gas transmission and distribution pipeline system.
Serving approximately 16 million people across its 70 000 square mile service territory in northern and central California, PG&E operates 42 141 miles of natural gas distribution pipelines, and 6438 miles of transmission pipelines with 4.5 million natural gas distribution customer accounts. The company’s commitment to reducing methane emissions aligns with Bridger's Gas Mapping LiDAR® (GML) technology, which provides dramatically improved natural gas leak detection speed and accuracy compared to traditional methods. The ability to precisely locate and quantify leak flow rates allows PG&E to prioritise repairs based on emission size and proximity to populated areas and infrastructure, ensuring faster response times for improved safety and more effective emissions reduction.
“PG&E’s utilisation of Bridger’s advanced aerial leak detection technology represents a significant step forward in reducing risk on our natural gas system and in lowering methane emissions,” said Jeff Janvier, Lead of Gas Distribution Operations at PG&E. “This sensor enables us to accurately pinpoint leaks on our system from an aerial platform, including precise measurement of flow rates, thus mitigating safety risk and reducing methane emissions in a prioritised manner.”
"We are excited to expand our work across California by partnering with PG&E to support their efforts in reducing methane emissions, improving safety, and enhancing operational efficiency. This partnership is a powerful example of how innovative technology can foster the safest, and utmost resilient and affordable energy supply," stated Ben Little, CEO of Bridger Photonics.
In 2024, PG&E exceeded its 2025 methane emission reduction target, achieving a 42% reduction compared to its 2015 baseline. Additionally, in 2024, PG&E ranked number one overall on the 2024 US Utilities Decarbonisation Index, compiled by the National Public Utilities Council. The partnership with Bridger Photonics will further accelerate PG&E’s progress, with Bridger’s aerial leak detection technology playing a crucial role in meeting future emissions reduction goals, including a net-zero target for 2040.
Read the latest issue of World Pipelines magazine for pipeline news, project stories, industry insight and technical articles.
World Pipelines’ June 2025 issue
The June 2025 issue of World Pipelines includes a keynote section on safety and risk management, including articles from ISN, ECITB and Ground Control. The issue offers insight into aerial surveillance of assets, pigging tool performance, ultrasonic testing, and transactional systems for pipelines.
Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/contracts-and-tenders/10072025/bridger-photonics-announces-methane-leak-detection-contract-with-pacific-gas-electric/
You might also like
The World Pipelines Podcast - Protecting high value assets with AMPP
Juan Caballero, Chair of the AMPP Board of Directors, talks about AMPP's global efforts to prevent corrosion and to protect assets, offering insight into how the association listens to its members and serves the pipeline industry.
Tune in to the World Pipelines Podcast on your favourite podcast app today.
