European gas industry publishes first guidelines for methane emissions reduction target setting

April 29, 2020

Gas production, infrastructure operators and technical associations publish first common industry guidelines to help companies set methane emission reduction targets as complement to mitigation strategies.

Reducing methane emissions contributes to decarbonising Europe’s energy system and put the EU on track to achieve its objective of climate neutrality by 2050. Together with operational measures to effectively manage methane emissions, the establishment of companies’ voluntary emissions reduction targets can help them set a clear and measurable objective against which to assess their progress.

The guidelines identify in a comprehensive manner the key elements of the process to establish a target and also address how to keep track of progress once a target is set. They also give an overview of industry’s achievements so far in this field.

“This document is the fruit of an excellent collaboration exercise across the value chain. A significant number of European gas companies have targets in place, and some of those who don’t are willing to do so as well. We encourage our Members and all gas value chain actors who are considering to establish methane emission reduction targets to do so based on these technical guidelines” said Francisco de la Flor, GIE and MARCOGAZ Board member.

Setting voluntary targets for methane emissions has been a contributing factor for many of them. Company-specific targets are listed in the report “Potential ways of the gas industry can contribute to the reduction of methane emissions” which also gives an overview of ongoing industry initiatives.

“Expectations on our industry are high, and we’re proud to see the way the whole value chain has stepped up. We hope these guidelines will encourage even more companies to join this effort and help further strengthen the environmental credentials of natural gas” says François-Régis Mouton, IOGP Regional Director Europe.

The guideline’s content has been developed by gathering GIE, IOGP and MARCOGAZ Members’ input through a questionnaire.

GIE, IOGP and MARCOGAZ encourage and recommend that gas industry companies follow the process laid out in the guidelines when establishing emission reduction targets. The guidelines that can be accessed here.

Note to editors

Note to editors

Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE) is the association representing the interests of European gas infrastructure operators active in gas transmission, gas storage and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) regasification. GIE is a trusted partner of European institutions, regulatory bodies and industry stakeholders. It is based in Brussels, the heart of European policymaking. GIE currently represents 70 member companies from 26 countries. GIE’s vision is that by 2050, the gas infrastructure will be the backbone of the new innovative energy system, allowing European citizens to benefit from a secure, efficient and sustainable energy supply.

IOGP’s Members account for 90% of European oil and gas production, and 40% at global level. IOGP serves industry regulators as a global partner for improving safety, environmental and social performance. IOGP also acts as a uniquely upstream forum in which our members identify and share knowledge and good practices to achieve improvements in health, safety, the environment, security and social responsibility. IOGP supports the EU’s objective to reach climate neutrality by 2050. To help the EU reach climate neutrality by 2050, Europe’s Oil & Gas Industry has a clear way forward: reducing its own carbon footprint, supplying cleaner energy and developing long-term management solutions.

MARCOGAZ is the representative body of the European Natural Gas Industry on all technical issues. We aim to monitor and take influence when needed on European technical regulation, standardisation and certification with respect to integrity and safety of pipeline systems, equipment, and the rational use of energy.

Contact

Should you require any further information please contact:

Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE)
GIE Secretariat
T: +32 2 209 05 00
E: gie@gie.eu

IOGP
Nareg Terzian, Senior Manager, Strategic Communications & Media
T: +32 2 790 77 73
M: +32 470 90 59 62
E: ntz@iogp.org

MARCOGAZ
MARCOGAZ Secretariat
T: +32 2 237 11 11
E: marcogaz@marcogaz.org