Methane Management in the Upstream Oil and Gas Industry: Policy recommendations in the context of the EU Methane Strategy

The paper outlines IOGP’s views and policy recommendations in the context of the planned EU Methane Strategy.

The document represents IOGP’s initial contribution to the European Commission’s strategy on methane emissions. Further reactions are to be expected in the future.

The issue of methane emissions is very dynamic and new mitigation technologies are constantly developed.

• Why do we need to tackle methane emissions?
• Dealing with methane in upstream oil and gas operations.
• Methane detection: what technologies?
• Industry in action: what has been done so far?
• Policy recommendations: what can policymakers do?

Methane is the second most important GHG representing about 10% of total EU GHG emissions in 2017, which makes it a source to focus on when it comes to emissions reduction.

The upstream oil and gas industry is strongly committed to continue taking steps to minimise operational emissions, including flaring and venting, and to support the mitigation of methane emissions throughout the gas value chain.

In some areas, the tools of the European gas market – including infrastructure regulation, network planning and sharing of Best Available Techniques (BATs) and equipment – can be leveraged to identify and mitigate emissions from natural gas value chain within Europe.