Reducing Gas Leakages within the Jalalabad Gas Distribution Network in Bangladesh

This project captures fugitive methane (CH4) emissions from the natural gas transmission and distribution system in the Jalalabad region of Bangladesh. The gas network, originally built in the 1960s, has not been adequately maintained and suffers from chronic, widespread leaks from components like valves, flanges, and connectors. Prior to the project, the local gas company, JGTDSL, lacked the technology and procedures to find and repair these leaks, relying on basic methods like soap bubble tests primarily for major safety risks. This project introduced a formal, advanced Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) program. Using specialized equipment, such as HiFlow Samplers, project teams identify, measure, and repair thousands of individual leaks with modern materials. Environmental Benefits: The primary benefit is the prevention of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, from being released into the atmosphere. This also preserves a finite natural resource (natural gas) and improves local air quality by reducing harmful pollutants. Social and Community Benefits: The project has created approximately 21 permanent local jobs and provides significant capacity building by training local staff in advanced, high-tech LDAR techniques. It also minimizes explosion risks for employees and local communities that were present in the old "run-to-fail" system.