Climate change is rising, and while much attention is given to CO2 emissions, another powerful greenhouse gas (GHG) threatens the climate—methane. Although methane is less abundant than carbon dioxide, it is far more potent in its ability to trap heat in the atmosphere. The need for immediate and effective methane emission reduction techniques is now urgent.

With oil and gas operations being one of the largest sources of methane emissions, it is time to shift focus and implement targeted strategies to tackle this harmful emission.

Understanding the Environmental Impact of Methane

Methane is the primary factor of natural gas. Its global warming potential (GWP) is staggering. Over 20 years, methane is over 80x more effective at trapping atmospheric heat than carbon dioxide. On a 100-year basis, its GWP is still about 28 times that of carbon dioxide.

However, the relatively short lifespan of methane in the atmosphere—around 12 years—offers a window for rapid climate action. Reducing methane emissions can lead to quick climate benefits, making it a critical action to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

Key environmental impacts of methane include:

• A GWP 28 times greater than CO2 over 100 years.
• Short atmospheric lifespan, making reduction impactful for near-term climate mitigation.
• A significant contributor to rapid climate change acceleration.

Also Read: Humans Released 670 Million Tons Of Methane In 20 Years: Study

How Does Oil and Gas Production Contribute to Methane Emissions?

The oil & gas industry plays an important role in global methane emissions. According to the World Bank, the global energy sector was responsible for 40% of methane emissions in 2021. At the same time, the oil and gas industry accounts for over 60% of that share alone.

Methane leaks during natural gas extraction, transportation, and distribution are common, leading to fugitive emissions. Additionally, practices like flaring and venting further compound the issue.

Fugitive Methane Emissions

Fugitive methane emissions occur through unintentional leaks during natural gas production and transportation. Advances in detection technology have revealed the scale of these leaks, which are often labelled as “super-emitters” due to their massive methane release.

Addressing these fugitive emissions is one of today’s most effective methane emission reduction techniques.

Methane from Flaring

Flaring also contributes to methane emissions. While flares are designed to destroy methane, their efficiency has yet to be overestimated.

In 2023, it was estimated that flaring contributed to 381 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions, with 45 million tonnes coming from uncombusted methane.

Methane from Venting

Venting, the deliberate release of gas into the atmosphere, is another concerning source of methane. Sometimes, venting occurs due to malfunctioning flaring equipment or unlit flares.

However, in certain regions, operators choose to vent gas directly due to a lack of infrastructure or economic incentives to capture and market the gas.

Also Read: CO2 Emission Targets: 40% Of Cities And Regions Struggle To Meet Goals

Methane Emission Reduction Techniques

Reducing methane emissions is possible and cost-effective with current technologies. As one of the largest emitters, the oil and gas sector is uniquely positioned to implement impactful changes.

Here is how the industry can use methane emission reduction techniques to minimise its environmental footprint:

1. Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR)

LDAR programs have evolved rapidly, with new technologies making it easier to detect methane leaks at various stages of oil and gas production. These technologies range from satellites and drones to ground-based handheld devices.

By identifying leaks early, operators can repair faulty equipment before substantial amounts of methane escape into the atmosphere.

• Advanced Detection: Satellites and drones can pinpoint super-emitters.
• On-the-Ground Solutions: Handheld devices ensure localised detection.
• Regular Inspections: Routine LDAR practices prevent prolonged methane leakage.

2. Flaring Efficiency Improvement

Improving the efficiency of flaring systems is another critical step. Flare systems should be optimised to ensure that they operate effectively and consistently. Automatic relighting mechanisms can prevent unlit flares, which vent gas directly into the atmosphere.

• Automatic Relighting: Systems that reignite flares if they go out.
• Optimisation of Flares: Ensuring flares are fully combusting methane.
• Reduce Gas to Flares: Eliminate unnecessary flaring by capturing more gas.

3. Venting Elimination

Eliminating the practice of venting gas should be a top priority. In many cases, venting occurs simply because the infrastructure to capture and transport gas is lacking.

Investments in infrastructure can ensure that methane is captured and used as a valuable resource rather than wasted as a potent greenhouse gas.

• Invest in Infrastructure: Build pipelines and processing facilities to capture vented gas.
• Reduce Routine Venting: Operators must adopt best practices to minimise routine venting.

Also Read: US & China Efforts Into Methane Emissions Reduction: Us Deputy Climate Envoy

Global Efforts to Curb Methane Emissions

Efforts to reduce methane emissions are already gaining momentum. The Global Methane Pledge launched at COP26, calls for countries to cut methane emissions by 30% by 2030.

Low- and middle-income oil-producing nations require technical and financial support to adopt methane emission reduction techniques, and initiatives like the World Bank’s Global Flaring and Methane Reduction Partnership (GFMR) are crucial to helping these countries achieve their goals.

The GFMR program is designed to provide support to developing countries by:

• Offering technical advice on reducing methane emissions from flaring and venting.
• Encouraging regulatory reforms that promote methane emission reductions.
• Disbursing $250 million by 2030 to support methane mitigation efforts.
• Leveraging billions more in public and private finance for methane reduction projects.

Also Read: How Half a Million Balconies in Germany Became Power Stations

Critical Steps for Operators to Reduce Methane Emissions

The oil & gas sector can significantly reduce methane emissions by implementing straightforward but effective strategies. These steps can also help ensure compliance with global methane reduction targets and improve the industry’s environmental reputation.

1. Ensure Flares are Always Lit: Flares must always be operational, with automatic systems in place to relight them if they go out.

2. Optimise Flare Destruction Efficiency: Operators must regularly check and optimise flares to achieve the highest methane destruction efficiency.

3. Eliminate Routine Flaring: Capturing and utilising gas instead of flaring it will prevent unnecessary methane emissions and waste of energy resources.

4. Enhance Infrastructure: Invest in the necessary infrastructure to capture and transport methane rather than venting it.

5. Improve Monitoring and Reporting: Participating in initiatives like the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 can help ensure transparent reporting and accountability for methane emissions.

Also Read: US Presents Plan to Cut Methane Emissions in Oil and Gas Sector at COP 28

Conclusion: Why Reducing Methane Matters?

Cutting methane emissions is one of the fastest ways to slow climate change. While carbon dioxide remains the most significant contributor to global warming, reducing methane emissions offers an immediate opportunity to make significant progress. The oil and gas industry must adopt methane emission reduction techniques now, from improving leak detection systems to enhancing flaring efficiency and eliminating venting.

These actions and global initiatives like the Global Methane Pledge can help align the energy sector with a 1.5˚C warming trajectory and ensure a more sustainable future.

The time to act on methane is now. By implementing effective methane emission reduction techniques, the world can make significant strides in tackling climate change before it’s too late.

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