EU to limit methane emissions from energy imports

The European Council and Parliament agreed on a draft regulation that will limit methane emissions in the European Union’s (EU) energy sector, the European Council announced Wednesday.

To achieve the EU climate targets and improve air quality, methane emissions from the energy sector will be reduced.

A limit on methane emissions from imported coal, oil, and natural gas into Europe will take effect in 2030 and will be applicable to fossil fuel exporters into the continent. By 2030, the maximum levels of methane concentration will be established.

The new regulation requires that the oil, gas and coal sectors measure, report and verify their methane emissions, as well as put in place mitigation measures to avoid such emissions, including detecting and repairing methane leaks and limiting venting and flaring.

Additionally, it puts forward global monitoring tools to ensure transparency on methane emissions from imports of oil, gas and coal into the EU.

Following their official approval by the EU Parliament and member states and publication in the EU Official Journal, the new regulations will come into force.

Methane is a major factor contributing to climate change, ranking second only to carbon dioxide.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), 30% of the global temperature increase is due to methane emissions.

The global energy sector accounts for 40% of methane emissions, with the majority coming from the energy, agriculture and waste sectors.

The new methane restriction rules are expected to particularly affect major gas suppliers such as the United States, Algeria and Russia.

• energy sector
• European Union's (EU)