Methane contributes to approximately 30 percent of global temperature increases since the Industrial Revolution, making its reduction crucial for mitigating near-term warming and enhancing air quality. The energy sector, comprising oil, natural gas, coal, and bioenergy, is responsible for over 35 percent of human-caused methane emissions and presents significant opportunities for emission cuts, as highlighted by the IEA’s Global Methane Tracker.
The fossil fuel sector accounts for nearly one-third of methane emissions from human activities, with emissions remaining above 120 Mt annually due to record production and limited mitigation efforts. In 2024, abandoned wells and mines added approximately 8 Mt of methane emissions, while bioenergy contributed 20 Mt, primarily from inefficient biomass combustion in developing regions. Although agriculture and waste are significant sources, the fossil fuel sector presents the most immediate potential for methane reduction using existing, cost-effective solutions. Despite growing momentum since the Global Methane Pledge in 2021 and the Oil and Gas Decarbonization Charter in 2023, concrete implementation plans and verifiable emission reductions remain limited.
Most countries rely on limited measurement-based data to report methane emissions, leading to significant underreporting. The IEA’s estimates, based on scientific studies, satellite data, and measurement campaigns, suggest that global energy-related methane emissions are about 80 percent higher than those reported to the UNFCCC. While Europe shows a smaller reporting gap, other regions, such as Venezuela and northern Russia, face data challenges due to cloud cover and snow. Some countries and companies are improving reporting practices, with Canada updating its methodology in 2024 and some oil and gas firms reaching UNEP OGMP 2.0’s highest reporting level. Despite progress, substantial data gaps persist globally.
More than 25 satellites currently monitor methane emissions, with new additions in 2024 like MethaneSAT and Tanager-1 offering high-resolution, sensitive detection capabilities. MethaneSAT data reveals that dispersed sources emitting less than 500 kg of methane per hour contribute significantly to overall emissions in major oil and gas basins, highlighting the need to address both super-emitters and smaller leaks. Carbon Mapper’s analysis of over 2,000 methane plumes shows that about 25 percent of detected sources were recurrent. Meanwhile, Sentinel 5P data indicates a record increase in emissions from super-emitting events at oil and gas facilities in 2024, despite reduced observational coverage.
A growing portion of oil and gas production is now subject to methane abatement commitments, driven by initiatives like the Global Methane Pledge, Oil and Gas Decarbonization Charter, and OGMP 2.0. However, many major emitters and nearly half of the industry still lack near-zero methane targets, with only 5 percent of global production covered solely by voluntary pledges. The focus now is on implementing existing commitments, sharing best practices, and enhancing data transparency. In 2024, new methane policies were announced, including EU regulations targeting methane from imported fossil fuels, while nearly 100 countries engaged in developing national methane action plans.
Reducing methane emissions and flaring can enhance energy security by making additional natural gas available for the market. In 2024, the fossil fuel sector emitted approximately 200 bcm of methane globally, with nearly 100 bcm potentially recoverable as natural gas. Additionally, 150 bcm of natural gas is flared annually, most of which is routine flaring. Tackling both flaring and methane emissions simultaneously would increase gas supply. While some countries and companies have demonstrated effective methane reduction, industry-wide implementation remains inconsistent, with emission intensities varying significantly between best and worst performers.
GreentechLead.com News Desk