BP has invested £3m into unmanned aviation agency Flylogix following methane monitoring trials within the UK North Sea.

Flylogix has been working with BP since 2018 to assist reduce methane emissions from its belongings, combining UAVs with synthetic intelligence, satellite tv for pc communications and methane sensors from associate SeekOps.

In 2019, Flylogix carried out a 115-mile spherical journey from Papa Stour in Shetland to the BP Clair platform – what was then the longest ever industrial drone flight.

Flylogix drones use SeekOps sensors – initially designed for NASA’s Mars Curiosity Rover – on their wing tip, and fly as shut as 250 metres away from installations to ship again reside knowledge.

BP makes use of the know-how to drive down operational emissions with out the necessity for extra individuals offshore and lowering prices.

Flylogix intends to leverage the £3m, which is a part of a wider £6m funding spherical, to enter new markets together with the US, Norway and Trinidad and Tobago, in addition to cross into new markets resembling renewables.

David Hayes, managing associate of BP Ventures, mentioned: “We’re investing in firms that may assist us with our Web Zero ambition and goals. And Flylogix has been instrumental in how we undertake measurements of methane emissions within the North Sea.

“Correct emissions measurements are the idea upon which mitigation plans are based mostly – we stay up for persevering with our partnership with Flylogix because it expands into new areas.”

Final 12 months, North Sea operators launched a plan to slash emissions of methane, one of many world’s most potent greenhouse gases, by 50% by 2030, in opposition to a 2018 baseline.

Vitality Voice additionally reported not too long ago on “low confidence” ranges within the sector for the way effectively methane emissions are monitored, measured and reported.

Charles Tavner, CEO of Flylogix, mentioned: “This newest funding will assist Flylogix convey our confirmed UAV know-how to new areas and develop functions to grasp the potential of unmanned aerial autos.

“It’s a vital second for the enterprise. We see endorsement from BP as a vote of confidence and are proud to construct on our present partnership, in pursuit of internet zero.”