IGU, IOGP and IPIECA join Natural Gas Industry Leaders to Combat Methane Emissions
Leaders of global energy industry associations and natural gas industry leaders have focused on reducing methane emissions by the adoption of ‘Methane Guiding Principles’. IGU, IOGP and IPIECA became Associate Signatories to the guidelines, joining signatory companies BP, Eni, ExxonMobil, Gazprom, Qatar Petroleum, Repsol, Statoil, Shell, Total, Wintershall and Woodside to encourage their application.
Providing access to energy, while addressing global climate change, is one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century. Natural gas plays a major role in meeting global energy demand today. Since natural gas consists mainly of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, its part in the transition to a low-carbon future will be influenced by the extent to which the oil and gas industry reduces its methane emissions.
The Guiding Principles focus on priority areas for action along the natural gas value chain, from production to the final consumer. They are complementary to and mutually reinforcing of other initiatives, including the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition’s Oil and Gas Methane Partnership.
The Guiding Principles include:
continually reducing methane emissions;
advancing strong performance across gas value chains;
improving the accuracy of methane emissions data;
advocating sound policies and regulations on methane emissions; and
increasing transparency.
Signatory companies have committed to undertake the principles, the implementation of which has been defined in a master plan. A concerted industry response is needed to increase focus on the reduction of methane emissions. Therefore, signatories will encourage other companies to apply the principles.
The principles were developed collaboratively by BP, ENI, ExxonMobil, Repsol, Statoil, Shell, Total and Wintershall, as well as a coalition of international institutions, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and academics: The Environmental Defense Fund, the International Energy Agency, the International Gas Union, Oil and Gas Climate Initiative Climate Investments, Rocky Mountain Institute, Sustainable Gas Institute, The Energy and Resources Institute, United Nations Environment.
“Numerous scientific studies have shown how important it is to quickly reduce methane emissions so we can meet growing demand for natural gas while achieving climate change and clean air goals,” said Mark Radka, Head of UN Environment’s Energy and Climate Branch. “We’re delighted that the IGU, IPIECA and the IOGP have become Associate Signatories to the Methane Guiding Principles. These organisations can help extend the spirit and intent of the Principle throughout the natural gas value chain and report on the reductions achieved.”
“The IGU supports urgent and increased efforts towards methane emissions mitigation, and the Guiding Principles are a significant step toward achieving that goal” said David Carroll, President of the IGU. “Natural gas remains well positioned to make a significant contribution to improving air quality while also reducing carbon emissions. As the global voice of gas, we continue to support efforts that focus on measuring, documenting and reducing methane emissions.”
IGU media contact: Menelaos (Mel) Ydreos, Executive Director, Public Affairs, IGU — mydreos@igu.org
IOGP is the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers.
IPIECA is the International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association.
Source: International Gas Union
