The International Energy Forum (IEF) informed about the reaching of an “emerging consensus” regarding a common measurement methodology for methane emissions.
As Platts reports, the IEF in June launched a new initiative for the development of a methodology on methane emissions, in order to allow its member countries to collect standardized data, and has now held its first technical workshop.
Now, the first technical workshop concluded that member countries have embraced this initiative as being critical and timely in the industry’s fight against global warming.
In addition, IEF chief economist Leila Benali, said that judging from the emerging consensus and the engagement of the country representatives, the first phase of the project is successfully reaching its primary objective. This is to bring a majority of countries together to agree on a common standardized methodology.
In fact, the IEF has estimated that because of the lack of standards, experts estimate that currently reported methane emissions are about 10% of what is observed by satellite.
The EU is also focusing on legislative proposals, in order to detect and report methane emissions and eliminate leaks.
However, many energy companies have identified methane as a solution to reduce emissions from gas production and distribution systems.
To do that, common approaches include the elimination of gas venting, replacing older equipment with new low-emission equipment, as well as improving leak detection and repair programs.
