Methane 101

What is Methane?

Methane (CH4) is a colorless, odorless greenhouse gas. It is produced naturally through the decomposition of organic matter and the digestive systems of certain animals. Methane plays a role in various industrial processes and is a valuable resource for energy production. Methane is a significant component of natural gas, which consists of several other chemical compounds including butane, propane, and ethane, when produced underground. Natural gas provides 36% of total U.S. energy supply and 42% of U.S. electricity production.

Because methane may contribute to climate change, it is important to recognize its many different sources and the part each one plays in the overall amount of methane emissions in the world. Natural sources such as wetlands, termites, and the ocean (marine methane) produce the largest volumes of methane emissions. Human-influenced sources, including rice farming and cattle grazing, contribute significantly as well. Since methane is released during the extraction, processing, distribution, and transportation of oil and natural gas, the energy industry also plays a part in methane emissions. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), targeted approaches to control methane emissions can improve air quality and the climate. Beyond its ability to warm the atmosphere, methane plays a part in chemical reactions that can alter the concentration of other greenhouse gases, which increases its impact on our climate.

Benefits of Methane

Methane is the major component of natural gas, and it is a highly efficient and clean-burning fuel, producing less carbon dioxide per unit of energy compared to other fossil fuels like coal and oil. This efficiency and its relatively low cost make methane an attractive option for electricity generation, heating, and cooking, both domestically and abroad. Methane in natural gas is also the primary feedstock for the production of ammonia, the building block for all nitrogen fertilizers that increase crop yields and feed millions of people and animals globally. Methane is a key feedstock in the production of hydrogen, which has the potential to be a cleaner energy carrier. Additionally, using methane from renewable sources, such as biogas from organic waste decomposition, helps in waste management and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Overall, methane’s versatility and lower environmental impact contribute to its value as a crucial energy resource, as countries around the globe seek to satisfy growing energy demands and pursue a more sustainable energy future.

What are Methane Emissions?

Methane emissions refer to the release of methane gas into the atmosphere. These emissions can come from natural sources like wetlands or human activities such as livestock farming, landfills, and the production and transport of oil and gas. They can affect climate change.

Although methane is a naturally occurring gas in the atmosphere, human activity has increased its release into the atmosphere over the past hundred years. As nations have industrialized and living standards have improved globally, the use of methane has increased. Methane emissions potentially trap heat in the atmosphere more quickly than carbon dioxide does in the short run, so cutting methane emissions can support better air quality and reduce potentially negative impacts to our climate.

Along with developed countries, emerging markets can address methane leaks, advance emissions reduction technology, improve methane capture and reuse from waste management and energy generation. Notably absent from this global effort are significant methane emitting countries like Russia, China, India, Iran and Venezuela. To lessen the adverse effects on our climate, cooperative actions from companies, governments and citizens in all countries are essential. Methane reduction strategies encompass a range of approaches, such as advancing technology, establishing regulatory frameworks, and improving collaboration between the public and private sectors.

Methane Emissions Sources

Methane is a greenhouse gas that comes from a number of sources. The leading source, responsible for 27% of methane emissions, is enteric fermentation, mostly from the digestive systems of cattle (i.e., cows), according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Other agriculture-related sources such as manure management (9%) and rice cultivation (2%) are responsible for 11% of U.S. methane emissions. Energy sources such as natural gas systems (25%), coal mining (15%) and petroleum systems (6%) contribute 46% of methane emissions. Necessities of modern life, such as emissions from landfills (17%) and wastewater management (3%), account for 20% of the total. These operations, which vary in their complexity and possibilities for mitigation, are part of the complex web of factors that contribute to the methane emissions profile of the United States.

Methane Emissions Monitoring

Monitoring and measuring methane emissions are necessary for mitigating their climate impact. U.S. companies and government agencies have developed cutting-edge detection technologies that provide precise measurements of methane, and such innovations have been accompanied by improvements in corporate reporting and regulation. Companies have also been implementing tactics that have successfully lowered emissions by 19% between 1990 and 2022, particularly from landfills, coal mining, and natural gas and petroleum systems. These emissions reductions occurred during an era of record production of oil and gas in the U.S. Regulations can ensure the quantity of methane emitted is recorded while also encouraging additional emission reduction efforts.

Detection Technology

Methane emission detection technology includes a range of techniques and instruments. For example, satellites, drones, and airplanes are used to locate methane plumes via remote sensing. Aerial remote sensing can detect releases from fields of crops, landfills, or oil and gas operations. Mobile gas sensors are yet another crucial instrument for identifying methane concentrations in the atmosphere. For localized measurements, they are commonly employed on trucks or ATVs. By detecting infrared radiation, methane detection cameras — also referred to as optical gas imaging cameras — visually capture methane emissions. These cameras are beneficial for locating rare leaks in infrastructure like natural gas systems or from agricultural sources.

Improving Detection

An array of research institutions, technology companies, government agencies and international organizations are investing in constantly improving methane detection. The goal of ongoing research and development is to create more affordable, robust, and sensitive sensors to improve detection capacities across various sectors and applications. Furthermore, improved methane emission monitoring is made possible by the integration of data from many sources, including satellite photography, ground-based sensors, and remote sensing. Also, the interpretation of complicated datasets is made easier by artificial intelligence and machine learning, which improve the precision of emissions source identification and quantification.

Regulation and Reporting

Governmental bodies impose emission regulations and standards for sectors including waste management, agriculture, and the production of oil and natural gas. These regulations seek to control methane emissions while using cutting-edge techniques and equipment to provide some uniformity in detection among stakeholders. Methane emission regulations frequently require industries to inspect on a regular basis. This frequency promotes transparency and accountability by measuring, recording, and reporting methane emissions data to relevant authorities.

Midstream’s Role in Reducing Methane Emissions

Improved Detection Technologies

Enhanced detection technologies play a crucial role in fighting methane emissions. Oil and gas companies deploy modern tools such as infrared cameras, laser-based detection systems, and drone-based surveillance to enable midstream professionals to quickly locate and repair methane leaks. These tools reduce methane emissions along oil and natural gas delivery systems by providing real-time monitoring, allowing operators to discover and fix even small leaks promptly.

Facility Design

Midstream facilities minimize methane leaks by implementing features such as strong seals, redundant containment systems, and modernized infrastructure. To further lessen the possibility of methane emissions from transporting oil and gas resources, midstream companies have also implemented thorough inspection methods and regular equipment maintenance. These measures fortify the integrity of infrastructure throughout time. 99.8% of oil and gas resources are transported without any incident, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Operating Practices

The oil and gas industry continues to implement optimal operational procedures to attain long-term decreases in methane emissions throughout midstream activities. This means setting priorities for leak prevention measures, conducting regular equipment inspections, and putting strict leak detection and repair systems into place. Methane is a valuable commodity for midstream operators and is intended to be retained and sold from its systems. Midstream operators aim to reduce methane emissions by optimizing operational efficiency and simultaneously minimizing environmental impact through the cultivation of an environmental stewardship and accountability culture.

Advanced Technologies

The midstream sector further reduces methane emissions through incorporation of sophisticated technologies. The arsenal against methane leaks includes innovations like continuous emission monitoring systems, low-bleed pneumatic devices, and methane detection sensors. By enabling operators to monitor, manage, and mitigate methane emissions with previously unheard-of precision and efficiency, these technologies support midstream operational sustainability and aid in overall efforts to reduce emissions.

Reducing Methane Emissions Creates Jobs

The initiative to reduce methane emissions in the oil and gas industry is not just a win for the environment but also for the job market. According to the Environmental Defense Fund, efforts to curb methane emissions are driving the growth of an emerging industry focused on detection, measurement, and mitigation technologies. This sector is creating an array of jobs, from field technicians to engineers, and is expanding across multiple states. These jobs offer competitive wages and contribute positively to local economies.

Methane Emissions Q & A