MethaSense is developing an intelligent, drone-based solution for multi-sensory methane detection at landfills to continuously and precisely record emissions and thereby implement avoidance and recycling measures more effectively. The project combines state-of-the-art drone technology with innovative sensors and artificial intelligence (AI). The solution increases both the quantity and quality of emissions data, enables the analysis of anomalies in landfill environments, and, in the medium term, increases the methane capture rate by up to 50% compared to conventional systems. Furthermore, the sensor is multi-gas capable, allowing it to be used for the detection of hydrogen or ethane in the future. MethaSense thus contributes to optimizing environmental management, increasing resource efficiency, and leveraging the potential of digital technologies in waste management.
Measurements are currently based primarily on estimates, which often underestimate actual emissions by up to 200%. Inadequate methane monitoring hinders the implementation of effective avoidance and utilization measures. At the same time, the energy potential of landfill gas is only partially utilized. Methane also indirectly contributes to the formation of ground-level ozone, an air pollutant that promotes respiratory illnesses and asthma. Furthermore, the insufficient data leads to distorted economic assessments and makes a realistic estimation of climate change-related costs difficult.
kt CH₄/year from landfills
Currently captured
Capture rate increase target
Year project duration
Large, dynamic landfill bodies make measurements difficult.
Conventional methods capture only small amounts of data.
Potential for emission reduction and energy recovery is insufficiently utilized.
MethaSense combines robotics, sensor technologies, and AI into an intelligent, multi-sensory measurement system that precisely and continuously records methane emissions. The goal is to increase the capture rate of landfill gas by up to 50% in the medium term compared to the reference system, thereby realizing ecological, economic, and social sustainability potential.
Drones detect gas concentrations using highly sensitive multi-gas sensors, camera systems, and LiDAR for obstacle detection. Flexible sensor modules enable precise sampling without interfering with drone operation.
Artificial intelligence, including neural networks such as CNNs, RNNs, and LSTMs, processes sensor data, detects anomalies, and enables the prediction of emission trends. Sensor fusion, adaptive calibration, and continuous anomaly detection ensure maximum precision.
The data collected enables the localization of emission hotspots, the prioritization of avoidance measures, and the maximization of energy utilization from landfill gas. Dashboards and visualization solutions help operators efficiently manage these measures.
The collected data is visualized in real time, providing a clear basis for analysis and decision-making. Operators gain immediate insights into emission patterns and can respond quickly to changes.
The sensor is multi-gas capable, allowing it to be used for the detection of hydrogen or ethane in the future, extending the system's applications beyond methane monitoring.
Sensor fusion, adaptive calibration, and continuous anomaly detection ensure maximum precision even under complex environmental conditions, enabling predictive maintenance and proactive emission management.
MethaSense contributes to optimizing environmental management, increasing resource efficiency, and leveraging the potential of digital technologies in waste management. At the same time, the energy potential of landfill gas is better utilized.
The system undergoes extensive testing in laboratory and field trials, with various sensor combinations and data collection methods being tested and optimized. Results are incorporated into the continuous improvement of the measurement system and the scientific assessment of its sustainability potential. An accompanying environmental assessment according to ISO 14040/14044 ensures that MethaSense is both technologically and ecologically effective.
