Methane plume detected in China
On 2 Jan 2026, the PRISMA - ASI satellite saw methane escaping at about 430 kg/h from an oil & gas site.
Evidence packet
If it continued at this rate for 24 hours it would release about 10.3 tonnes of methane.
- Detected
- 2 Jan 2026 · 04:38 UTC
- Satellite
- PRISMA - ASI
- Sector
- Oil & gas
- Coordinates
- 37.30615, 94.30592
Open in Google Maps (satellite) - UNEP plume ID
711ca870-297b-4425-b4ff-e5023e4fea32
Likely operator
PetroChina Plausible
PetroChina's Qinghai Oilfield operates the Qaidam basin.
Emitting site
CHN_S_015 · O&G facility (generic)
2 plumes detected at this site
Status
UNEP has not recorded a notification for this plume.
Nobody has reported contacting the operator through Methane Leaks yet.
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Cite as: UNEP IMEO MARS plume 711ca870-297b-4425-b4ff-e5023e4fea32, via Methane Leaks (https://www.methaneleaks.com/plume/711ca870-297b-4425-b4ff-e5023e4fea32), accessed 5 Oct 2026.