2023

17

2030

2021

QLM’s Net Zero targets are ambitious for a business that is seeking to scale up, as the growth will inevitably lead to a higher carbon footprint in terms of both scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions. However, our unique lidar-based continuous monitoring system for methane emissions provides scope for drastic emissions reduction programs in our customer base, far outstripping any rise in emissions that QLM undergoes in its expansion. Even then, we will be committing ourselves to finding economy, sustainability and efficiency in our processes that minimizes QLM’s environmental impact and would lead to Net-Zero emissions before the benefits of our emissions monitoring solution were considered.

The targets set here are based on QLM’s projections for sales growth of our quantum gas lidar, balancing emissions reductions as a result of lidar deployment at customer sites, and efficiencies in the supply of energy that is purchased, with the growth in carbon footprint as a function of expansion. The Scope 2 targets are more uncertain than the Scope 1 targets, as fluctuations in energy prices due to availability have the potential to influence its sourcing. QLM will be seeking to source energy only from sustainable sources, minimizing the impact of operational expansion even as energy consumption increases.

No

No

100

QLM Technology has developed a new type of Lidar – based on quantum technology – that combines Lidar and gas absorption spectroscopy with single-photon detection to count gas molecules, building a 3D picture of objects and gas plumes that shows the exact location of an emission source. This novel imaging technology can detect, visualize, localize and quantify plumes of gas molecules from a distance beyond 200 m using automated or remote manual control modes. Emission source characteristics such as plume size and shape, gas emission rate, duration, location, persistence and timing/quantity patterns are measured by the system to determine the importance or urgency of the individual source. Analytics then transform these data into prioritized actions for remediation. Detected emission events are categorized, logged and digital alerts including this information sent to operators for follow-up actions. The QLM camera operates as an IoT device and can be deployed on internal networks or connected through a cloud interface, allowing access to both a live GUI for camera control and visualization and to a configurable automation system that directs networked cameras to systematically and repeatedly scan assets on a site for emissions, raising alerts for events beyond set parameters.

The quantum gas lidar enables avoided emissions. Industrial producers of methane (such as oil & gas processing, wastewater treatment, landfill operation, and biogas production) can use the quantum gas lidar to continuously and autonomously monitor their plant emissions. Leaks are identified and can be addressed more quickly, resulting in lower environmental impact and greater efficiency of operation. This represents a major step forwards over the current process of intermittent, labour intensive “walkover” studies, where each component in an operating site is individually checked for emissions by a survey team, and even more so over a “top-down” estimation of the site emissions as a function of equipment present and projecting operating time.

100

Yes

QLM has launched into the Electric Car Scheme (www.electriccarscheme.com). While not strictly QLM’s “own” vehicles, this initiative assists employees in the lease of an EV, allowing subscribers to reduce their operational running costs and contribute to a reduced overall environmental impact.