SANTA CLARA, California and MARIA ENZERSDORF, Austria, November 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Picarro Inc.in collaboration with Lower Austria network (Netz NÖ), carried out a large-scale, short-term methane emissions inspection project in response to the new European methane regulation. Netz Niederösterreich, one of Austria’s leading gas distribution network operators (DNOs), has taken early steps to meet the regulatory requirements, demonstrating its foresight and commitment to environmental responsibility.
This landmark project was launched in response to the European Methane Regulation, which introduces mandatory Type 2 inspections: high-precision leak detection surveys targeting medium and low pressure (≤ 16 bar) infrastructure. Operators must not only implement short-interval leak detection measures, but also robust monitoring and reporting methods, moving from estimated emissions data to measurement-based emissions data. Annual reports must be submitted to national authorities, and detailed reporting based on site-level measurements will be required from February 2026. These changes reflect the EU’s commitment to transparency, accountability and climate action.
Aware of the urgency of these new requirements, Netz Niederösterreich proactively launched a call for tenders in early 2025 to inspect 7,500 km of gas infrastructure across Lower Austria. The project required 98% network coverage and a comprehensive investigation of leak indications between April and July 2025. Picarro was awarded the contract and quickly mobilized resources to leverage its advanced mobile leak detection technology and analytics platform to meet the ambitious schedule and coverage requirements.
“After a successful pilot project in two regions last autumn, the Picarro system convinced us. This technology allows us to inspect large volumes of our network efficiently, which is currently not possible in such a short time,” said Thomas Wagner, head of the gas detection team at Netz Niederösterreich.
This project illustrates how strategic collaboration and agile execution can produce impactful results under tight deadlines. Netz Niederösterreich’s forward-thinking approach and operational availability, combined with Picarro’s innovative solutions, enabled the inspection to be successfully completed and provided practical experience for the even more demanding requirements of the coming years.
“Working with Netz Niederösterreich gave us the opportunity to demonstrate how quickly Picarro’s technology can be deployed at scale to meet both the spirit and letter of the European methane regulation. We look forward to continuing our collaboration and helping them leverage the data-driven insights provided by our technology to guide future maintenance and emissions reduction strategies,” said François-Xavier Rongère, vice president of the natural gas industry at Picarro.
Environmental impact and sustainability benefits
The project has significantly advanced the management of methane emissions in Austria, helping Netz Niederösterreich align with EU climate goals, contributing to:
- Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through a vast regional network
- Improved regulatory compliance and environmental management
- Data-Driven Insights to support future maintenance and emissions reduction strategies
About Netz Lower Austria
Netz Niederösterreich GmbH (Netz NÖ) is a leading gas distribution network operator in Austria. With more than 13,800 km of gas infrastructure, including 11,600 km of medium and low pressure pipelines, Netz Niederösterreich ensures the safe and reliable delivery of natural gas to around 285,000 customer installations. The company plays a central role in the Austrian energy landscape, not only by maintaining its network, but also by integrating modern technologies such as smart meters and digital network monitoring.
About Picarro
Picarro is a global leader in Network intelligence and methane emissions reduction solutions, providing natural gas operators with tools to revolutionize risk management. The enterprise solution helps increase safety, reduce emissions, optimize asset management and reduce costs in a unified framework. With Picarro technology and analytics, operators can proactively manage leaks, prioritize critical issues, and continuously assess gas system health and performance. For more information, visit www.picarro.com/gas.
Media Contact:
Monica Marmie
Senior Marketing Manager
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mmarmie@picarro.com
SOURCE Picarro, Inc.
