Satellite Images Reveal Venezuela’s Massive Methane Problem
Data shows millions of tons of methane spewing from the nation’s decaying energy infrastructure, underscoring how much work is required to revive production.
Source: Kayrros SAS, processed L1B image from NASA/JPL-Caltech's EMIT instrument onboard the ISS
Oil executives weighing a potential investment in Venezuela’s fields may want to check out the view from space. Satellites have detected enormous amounts of methane billowing from the country’s abandoned oil rigs, rusty pipelines and other dilapidated energy infrastructure.
The emissions not only reflect potential lost revenue — they’re also likely to give US oil majors pause about operating in Venezuela. That could leave smaller, less experienced companies and private equity firms to attempt to fulfill US President Donald Trump’s plan to revive the nation’s heavy crude output after capturing President Nicolas Maduro.