Methane is a powerful and short-lived greenhouse gas, with a lifetime of about a decade and Global Warming Potential about 80 times greater than that of carbon dioxide (CO₂) during the 20 years after it is released into the atmosphere. Addressing methane in production can be more affordable, relatively doable, and standards and best practices can play a key role across our industry.

What does good look like?

• Accurate measurement and quantification of methane emissions from production.
• Quality leak detection and repair (LDAR) program on entire production facility.
• Eliminate direct venting of methane.
• Aim for near zero upstream methane emissions.

How is it achieved?

• Deploying technologies and methods to detect, monitor and measure leaks and venting via IOGP-Ipieca-OGCI Report 661 Recommended Practcies for methane emissions detection and quantification technologies- upstream
• For each type of asset or facility, learning common leak paths, sources, and upset events through monitoring and then mitigating through maintenance, re-design, retrofits, or operating procedures.
• Minimizing leak sources, including low/high bleed pneumatic devices, tanks and thief hatches, flares when not required for safety, and quality control and maintenance of seals in flanges, compression, and other equipment.
• See recommended publications below.
  • IOGP Report 661: Recommended practices for methane emissions detection and quantification technologies – upstream
  • MGP Publications
    • MGP Best Practice Brochure
    • MGP Best Practice Poster
    • MGP Best Practice Guide: Continual Improvement (multiple languages)
    • MGP Best Practice Guide: Engineering Design and Construction (multiple languages)
    • MGP Best Practice Guide: Identification, Detection, Measurement and Quantification (multiple languages)
    • MGP Best Practice Guide: Transmission, Storage, LNG Terminals and Distribution (multiple languages)
    • MGP Joint Venture playbook
    • MGP Guidance: Methane Policy Recommendations for the EU: Addressing Methane Emissions
    • MGP Guidance: Methane Policy Recommendations for the EU: Monitoring, Reporting and Verification
    • MGP Guidance: MGP Policy Framework for Reducing Oil and Gas Methane Emissions (multiple languages)
    • MGP Guidance: IOGP Guidelines for Methane Emissions Target Setting
    • MGP Guidance: OGDC Methane Framework 1—Foundation
    • MGP Guidance: OGDC Methane Framework 2—Reduction
    • MGP Guidance: OGDC Methane Framework 3—Continuous Improvement
    • MGP Guidance: Overview of Methane Monitoring Technologies