For the first time researchers measured simultaneously two air pollutants at high spatial resolution in the exhaust plumes of coal-fired power plants by using EnMAP data

New breakthrough with the German satellite EnMAP: Researchers have for the first time and by using EnMAP data successfully measured both air pollutants—carbon dioxide (CO₂) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂)—simultaneously in the exhaust plumes of coal-fired power plants. Until now, satellites could only measure them separately. CO₂ is notoriously difficult to detect, but this dual measurement provides valuable insights into emissions. By calibrating the NO₂-to-CO₂ ratio for typical power plants and weather conditions, scientists can estimate CO₂ emissions from other facilities using just NO₂ measurements, which are more accessible. This achievement not only showcases EnMAP’s exceptional capabilities in Earth surface remote sensing but also highlights its potential for atmospheric monitoring.

Publication: Christian Borger et al 2025 Environ. Res. Lett. 20 044034

Additional Links:

• EOC | Projects & Missions: RemoTec-EnMAP
• Heidelberg University: First simultaneous satellite measurements of NO2 and CO2 plumes over power plants
• MPIC: German satellite measures CO2 and NO2 simultaneously from power plant emissions for the first time