Methane emissions go under the radar in the collective exhalation of discussion and research but they have a warming potential 84 times greater than carbon dioxide over a 20-year time horizon. That was the disturbing findings of a 2014 report from the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change[i] Methane emissions are both a critical challenge and a major opportunity. Because methane has a short atmospheric lifespan, reducing emissions today can deliver rapid climate benefits.
The energy sector plays a big role. Oil and gas operations account for nearly 40% of human-caused methane emissions (IEA). The Climate and Clean Air Coalition Scientific Advisory Panel estimates that cutting these by 50% more than the next 30 years could help limit global temperature rise by 0.2°C – a meaningful step toward climate targets.
The challenge: discrepancies in methane measurement and reporting
Sustainability reporting is advancing with mandates for detailed greenhouse gas (GHG) disclosures – including Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions. But without standardization for methane measurement and reporting, operators face challenges in meeting regulatory requirements and unlocking commercial advantages like cost savings, tax incentives and stronger investor confidence. Right now, inconsistencies in methane reporting remain a major issue. According to the IEA, methane emissions from the energy sector are underreported by 70%. Without standardized methodologies and transparency. Accurate methane quantification is essential for informed decision making and targeted decarbonization strategies. But today’s landscape is fragmented with multiple frameworks.
Each framework has its own methodology and requirements, making it a challenge hard to draw accurate comparisons across companies, facilities and different parts of the natural gas value chain. Without reliable, consistent data, it’s difficult for companies to develop robust decarbonization plans and demonstrate sustainability leadership.
What would a standardized approach to methane measurement look like?
A unified approach to measuring, monitoring, reporting and verifying (MMRV) methane emissions is essential. Standardization should focus on:
- Comprehensive source identification: identifying all methane emission sources within the natural gas value chain to ensure a comprehensive inventory
- Reliable emission quantification: allowing a combination of direct measurement and industry emission factors to balance accuracy, cost, quality and feasibility
- Consistent reporting principles: ensuring emissions data is transparent, comparable, and actionable across the energy sector
Direct measurement is the gold standard for accuracy, but it can be costly, time intensive and complex to implement at scale. Industry emission factors offer a simpler, lower cost alternative but lack site-specific precision. A hybrid approach – one that prioritizes high quality data while maintaining cost effectiveness – is key.
Taking the guesswork out of methane reporting
Methane emissions are under increasing scrutiny as industries work to reduce their carbon footprint and meet evolving regulatory requirements.
We help our customers cut through complexity with data-driven solutions that enhance accuracy, transparency, and compliance in methane monitoring and reporting. Our expertise in emissions modelling and data evaluation helps our customers in a few different ways.
Some of these include:
- Identify major methane sources with confidence
- Select and implement fit-for-purpose measurement technologies
- Develop robust data inventories aligned with national and international reporting frameworks such as NGER and OGMP 2.0
- Design targeted decarbonization strategies with measurable results.
Driving industry wide change
Reducing methane emissions requires accurate measurement – because you can’t abate what you don’t measure. The industry has the expertise and technologies to develop these frameworks and use them as the foundation for measurable methane reduction.
Then, we’ll apply them in a way that drives real progress.
