Methane plume detected in Iraq
On 21 Dec 2023, the PRISMA - ASI satellite saw methane escaping at about 2,670 kg/h from an oil & gas site.
Evidence packet
If it continued at this rate for 24 hours it would release about 64.1 tonnes of methane.
- Detected
- 21 Dec 2023 · 07:44 UTC
- Satellite
- PRISMA - ASI
- Sector
- Oil & gas
- Wind
- Plume drifting towards the NE · 0.9 m/s
- Coordinates
- 30.27348, 47.74556
Open in Google Maps (satellite) - UNEP plume ID
08ae02ae-db21-4b62-8253-5eb99e0490c6
Likely operator
Basra Oil Company Plausible
State-owned Basra Oil Company oversees the southern fields, several run with international contractors.
Emitting site
IRQ_S_034 · O&G facility (generic)
3 plumes detected at this site
Status
UNEP notified the government about this plume.
Nobody has reported contacting the operator through Methane Leaks yet.
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Cite as: UNEP IMEO MARS plume 08ae02ae-db21-4b62-8253-5eb99e0490c6, via Methane Leaks (https://www.methaneleaks.com/plume/08ae02ae-db21-4b62-8253-5eb99e0490c6), accessed 5 Oct 2026.