The European Union is discussing a plan on limiting methane emissions as part of standards for natural gas. The EU is the world’s natural gas largest importer, and the new standards will affect its main suppliers, including Russia and Norway. The EU methane strategy was published on Wednesday and included methane emission reduction targets involving foreign partners.
Leaky oil and gas infrastructure, unused coal mines, and livestock farming emits methane. BP and Shell have already set targets to cut their methane emissions. Meanwhile, the IEA said reducing a third of methane emissions incurred no net cost as companies could sell the captured gas.
Next year, the European Commission will propose legislation that requires oil and gas firms to repair leaks and report methane emissions. It will also consider prohibiting producers from releasing methane into the atmosphere (venting) and deliberately burning methane (flaring). Environmental campaigners welcomed the push to cut imported emissions. However, some EU lawmakers were concerned about the lack of focus on methane emissions from the agricultural sector.
