Proposal for a Regulation on methane emissions reduction in the energy sector

April 19, 2022

High-level recommendations from gas mid/downstream infrastructure operators

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5 European associations representing the operators of the European gas mid/downstream infrastructure developed a set of technical and policy recommendations to foster the regulation of the methane emissions reduction in the energy sector.

It is essential to support the actions leading to the greatest reductions in methane emissions on the path toward climate neutrality. European operators understood the importance and emergency of reducing methane emissions.

We are committed to pursuing and intensifying our contribution to reducing emissions and welcome the proposal of the European Commission. Representing around 4% of total European methane emissions, gas system operators have significantly decreased their methane emissions since 1990. We did that thanks to the implementation of several mitigation measures. To go further, some policy lever must be put in place. These are our recommendations for an appropriate and cost-effective action plan that will result in a successful proposal.

Over the past decade, GIE has proven to be a driving force in the reduction of methane emissions in the gas sector. Our association put a lot of effort into this subject. By joining MARCOGAZ, ENTSOG, GERG, and Eurogas, we aim to create a synergy effect. We work on raising awareness of our findings to uplift the change and fasten the decarbonisation of the whole gas industry, and of other sectors and industries at the same time. On this challenging path, collaboration will be key to making this process as efficient as possible. The intensity of our work on methane emissions remains high and we see multiple dates for initiatives in the coming weeks.

It is essential to continue paving the way toward a decarbonised economy and establishing credible infrastructure for renewable and low-carbon molecules. In fact, we have recently developed a paper¹ shedding light on the actions taken by the gas system operators to mitigate their methane emissions. The document showcases updated data, facts, and figures as well as concrete definitions.

The next step to accelerate the transitional process toward climate neutrality is now to design an action plan based on collaboration and updated data. That’s the only way to have the most effective and sustainable transition possible. Our industry can support the EU institutions in doing such a thing. We stand ready to collaborate, share our findings and provide the necessary data via our transparency activities. Along the way, deep behavioural change needs to be combined and nurtured with substantial investments.

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¹Joint declaration on methane emissions: Gas system operators in a joint effort to continue curbing emissions and to support the Global Methane Pledge
https://www.gie.eu/events1/email/download/2021/Joint_Declaration_CH4_Emissions.pdf

Note to editors

Who is GIE?

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.