Gas flaring in North Dakota. The IEA says methane emissions from the energy sector can be reduced by 75 per cent using existing technology. AP
Gas flaring in North Dakota. The IEA says methane emissions from the energy sector can be reduced by 75 per cent using existing technology. AP
Gas flaring in North Dakota. The IEA says methane emissions from the energy sector can be reduced by 75 per cent using existing technology. AP
Gas flaring in North Dakota. The IEA says methane emissions from the energy sector can be reduced by 75 per cent using existing technology. AP

Climate

Road to Net Zero

Energy industry’s methane emissions surge to near record despite supply concerns, IEA says

The sector accounts for about 40% of the total discharge attributable to human activity

John Benny

February 21, 2023

  • English
  • Arabic

The global energy industry’s methane emissions surged to 135 million tonnes last year, slightly below 2019’s record highs, the International Energy Agency has said.

Despite high energy prices, worries about security of supply and economic uncertainty, there was no reduction in methane emissions observed in 2022, the agency said in a report on Tuesday.

“Some progress is being made but emissions are still far too high and not falling fast enough — especially as methane cuts are among the cheapest options to limit near-term global warming. There is just no excuse,” said IEA executive director Fatih Birol.

Methane is responsible for about a third of global temperature increases since the Industrial Revolution. It dissipates faster than carbon dioxide but is a much more powerful greenhouse gas during its short lifespan.

The energy sector accounts for about 40 per cent of total methane emissions attributable to human activity, second only to agriculture.

Coal power plants are a major source of methane emissions. AP
Coal power plants are a major source of methane emissions. AP
Livestock accounts for about one third of methane emissions, the International Methane Emissions Observatory reported. AFP
Livestock accounts for about one third of methane emissions, the International Methane Emissions Observatory reported. AFP
A Qatari tanker ship is being loaded up with LNG, made up mainly of methane. The state-owned oil and gas company Qatar Energy said it is joining a new industry-led initiative to reduce nearly all methane emissions from operations by 2030. AP
A Qatari tanker ship is being loaded up with LNG, made up mainly of methane. The state-owned oil and gas company Qatar Energy said it is joining a new industry-led initiative to reduce nearly all methane emissions from operations by 2030. AP
An oilfield near McKittrick, California. The state has 35,000 oil and gas wells sitting idle, many of which are unplugged and could leak methane gas. AFP
An oilfield near McKittrick, California. The state has 35,000 oil and gas wells sitting idle, many of which are unplugged and could leak methane gas. AFP
Wind turbines turn on top of a dump next to the BP Refinery Scholven in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. Spiralling energy costs caused by various economic factors and the Ukraine war could be a turning point towards cleaner energy, the International Energy Agency says. AP
Wind turbines turn on top of a dump next to the BP Refinery Scholven in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. Spiralling energy costs caused by various economic factors and the Ukraine war could be a turning point towards cleaner energy, the International Energy Agency says. AP
Waste and landfill sites account for more than 20 per cent of methane emissions. AFP
Waste and landfill sites account for more than 20 per cent of methane emissions. AFP
Globally, agriculture is the largest source of human-caused methane emissions. Bloomberg
Globally, agriculture is the largest source of human-caused methane emissions. Bloomberg

Methane emissions from oil and gas alone could be reduced by 75 per cent with existing technology, highlighting a “lack of industry action on an issue that is often very cheap to address”, the agency said.

Less than 3 per cent of the income made by oil and gas companies globally last year would be required to make the $100 billion investment in technology needed to achieve this reduction, it added.

Last year, the largest recorded emission of methane occurred due to leaks in the Nord Stream pipelines, which transported natural gas from Russia to Europe.

“The Nord Stream pipeline explosion last year released a huge amount of methane into the atmosphere,” said Dr Birol.

“But normal oil and gas operations around the world release the same amount of methane as the Nord Stream explosion every single day.”

READ MORE

UN urges fossil fuel industry to redouble efforts to cut methane emissions

Global fossil fuel consumption in 2022 hit record $1tn in blow to energy transition goals

Ceasing all non-emergency flaring and venting of methane is the most effective measure to rein in emissions, the agency said.

Out of the 260 billion cubic metres of methane lost to the atmosphere each year, three quarters could be retained and brought to market using “tried and tested” policies and technology, it said.

“The captured methane would amount to more than the European Union’s total annual gas imports from Russia prior to the invasion of Ukraine.”

The agency said that satellites detected more than 500 “super-emitting” events from oil and gas operations last year.

Entities such as fossil fuel plants, waste or agriculture-related equipment and other infrastructure that discharge methane at exceptionally high rates are known as super-emitters.

“The untamed release of methane in fossil fuel production is a problem that sometimes goes under the radar in public debate,” said Mr Birol.

“Unfortunately, it is not a new issue and emissions remain stubbornly high. Many companies saw hefty profits last year following a turbulent period for international oil and gas markets amid the global energy crisis.

“Fossil fuel producers need to step up and policymakers need to step in — and both must do so quickly.”

In November, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) said methane concentrations in the atmosphere were continuing to rise.

Efforts by the fossil fuel sector offer, “by far, the greatest potential to achieve rapid methane emissions reductions”, said the report, which was released by UNEP’s International Methane Emissions Observatory said.

Currently, only a fraction of companies is providing methane emissions estimates that are based on actual measurements, it said.

A pipeline that takes methane gas from the Frank R. Bowerman landfill to an onsite power plant in Irvine, California. Reuters
A pipeline that takes methane gas from the Frank R. Bowerman landfill to an onsite power plant in Irvine, California. Reuters
A satellite image shows a methane plume three kilometres long detected south-east of Carlsbad, New Mexico. Nasa scientists, using a tool designed to study how dust affects climate, have identified more than 50 sites around the world emitting high levels of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, the US space agency said. AFP
A satellite image shows a methane plume three kilometres long detected south-east of Carlsbad, New Mexico. Nasa scientists, using a tool designed to study how dust affects climate, have identified more than 50 sites around the world emitting high levels of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, the US space agency said. AFP
An oil drilling rig in the Permian Basin oilfield in Midland, Texas. US President Joe Biden imposed a ban on Russian oil, which may mean that oil producers in the Permian Basin will need to pump more oil to meet demand. The Permian Basin is the largest petroleum-producing basin in the United States. AFP
An oil drilling rig in the Permian Basin oilfield in Midland, Texas. US President Joe Biden imposed a ban on Russian oil, which may mean that oil producers in the Permian Basin will need to pump more oil to meet demand. The Permian Basin is the largest petroleum-producing basin in the United States. AFP
This satellite image from Nasa shows a 4.8km methane plume coming from a major landfill, where methane is a byproduct of decomposition, south of Tehran, Iran. AFP
This satellite image from Nasa shows a 4.8km methane plume coming from a major landfill, where methane is a byproduct of decomposition, south of Tehran, Iran. AFP
Workers on an oil rig in the Permian Basin oilfield in Stanton, Texas. AFP
Workers on an oil rig in the Permian Basin oilfield in Stanton, Texas. AFP
This satellite image shows 12 methane plumes streaming westward for more than 32 kilometres east of Hazar, Turkmenistan. Nasa
This satellite image shows 12 methane plumes streaming westward for more than 32 kilometres east of Hazar, Turkmenistan. Nasa
Turkmenistan's President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov at the opening of the East-West pipeline at the Belek compressor station, about 500 kilometres from Ashgabat. On December 23 Turkmenistan completed a $2.5 billion gas pipeline connecting its eastern gas fields to the Caspian Sea, potentially expanding Europe's energy security options. AFP
Turkmenistan's President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov at the opening of the East-West pipeline at the Belek compressor station, about 500 kilometres from Ashgabat. On December 23 Turkmenistan completed a $2.5 billion gas pipeline connecting its eastern gas fields to the Caspian Sea, potentially expanding Europe's energy security options. AFP
A lorry unloads rubbish at the South Kent landfill in Byron Township, Michigan. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released a study calculating that levels of the heat-trapping gas methane rose at a record pace in 2021. AP Photo
A lorry unloads rubbish at the South Kent landfill in Byron Township, Michigan. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released a study calculating that levels of the heat-trapping gas methane rose at a record pace in 2021. AP Photo
Delhi fire officials take a break while fighting a fire at the Bhalswa landfill in New Delhi. Every day more than 2,300 tonnes of waste are dumped at the landfill without being segregated, resulting in the build-up of combustible methane gas. AP Photo
Delhi fire officials take a break while fighting a fire at the Bhalswa landfill in New Delhi. Every day more than 2,300 tonnes of waste are dumped at the landfill without being segregated, resulting in the build-up of combustible methane gas. AP Photo
The Norte III biogas plant, which removes methane from waste at the landfill, outside Buenos Aires, Argentina. Norte III recently activated a new power station that runs on methane gas piped from under the landfill to generate electricity. Bloomberg
The Norte III biogas plant, which removes methane from waste at the landfill, outside Buenos Aires, Argentina. Norte III recently activated a new power station that runs on methane gas piped from under the landfill to generate electricity. Bloomberg
On Women's Day
RESULTS

6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 Group 1 (PA) Dh119,373 (Dirt) 1,600m
Winner: Brraq, Adrie de Vries (jockey), Jean-Claude Pecout (trainer)

7.05pm: Handicap (TB) Dh102,500 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Taamol, Connor Beasley, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.

7.40pm: Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 (Turf) 1,800m
Winner: Eqtiraan, Connor Beasley, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.

8.15pm: UAE 1000 Guineas Trial (TB) Dh183,650 (D) 1,400m
Winner: Soft Whisper, Pat Cosgrave, Saeed bin Suroor.

9.50pm: Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Hypothetical, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer.

9.25pm: Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (T) 1,000m
Winner: Etisalat, Sando Paiva, Ali Rashid Al Raihe

ICC Women's T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier 2025, Thailand

UAE fixtures
May 9, v Malaysia
May 10, v Qatar
May 13, v Malaysia
May 15, v Qatar
May 18 and 19, semi-finals
May 20, final

Analysis

Maros Sefcovic is juggling multiple international trade agreement files, but his message was clear when he spoke to The National on Wednesday.

The EU-UAE bilateral trade deal will be finalised soon, he said. It is in everyone’s interests to do so. Both sides want to move quickly and are in alignment. He said the UAE is a very important partner for the EU. It’s full speed ahead - and with some lofty ambitions - on the road to a free trade agreement. 

We also talked about US-EU tariffs. He answered that both sides need to talk more and more often, but he is prepared to defend Europe's position and said diplomacy should be a guiding principle through the current moment. 

 

The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Power: 510hp at 9,000rpm
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
Price: From Dh801,800
While you're here
The biog

Name: Ayisha Abdulrahman Gareb

Age: 57

From: Kalba

Occupation: Mukrema, though she washes bodies without charge

Favourite things to do: Visiting patients at the hospital and give them the support they need.
Role model: Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood.

 

Australia tour of Pakistan

March 4-8: First Test, Rawalpindi

March 12-16: Second Test, Karachi

March 21-25: Third Test, Lahore

March 29: First ODI, Rawalpindi

March 31: Second ODI, Rawalpindi

April 2: Third ODI, Rawalpindi

April 5: T20I, Rawalpindi

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

 

OPINIONS ON PALESTINE & ISRAEL
TICKETS

Tickets start at Dh100 for adults, while children can enter free on the opening day. For more information, visit www.mubadalawtc.com.

Stage 3 results

1 Adam Yates (GBR) Mitchelton-Scott 4:42:33

2 Tadej Pocagar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates 0:01:03

3 Alexey Lutsenko (KAZ) Astana 0:01:30

4 David Gaudu (FRA) Groupama-FDJ

5 Rafal Majka (POL) Bora-Hansgrohe         

6 Diego Ulissi (ITA) UAE Team Emirates  0:01:56

General Classification after Stage 3:

1 Adam Yates (GBR) Mitchelton-Scott 12:30:02

2 Tadej Pocagar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates 0:01:07

3  Alexey Lutsenko (KAZ) Astana 0:01:35

4 David Gaudu (FRA) Groupama-FDJ 0:01:40

5  Rafal Majka (POL) Bora-Hansgrohe

6 Wilco Kelderman (NED) Team Sunweb)  0:02:06

Read
Neighbourhood Watch
Read more
MATCH INFO

Everton 0

Manchester City 2 (Laporte 45 2', Jesus 90 7')

Company%C2%A0profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EHayvn%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2018%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EChristopher%20Flinos%2C%20Ahmed%20Ismail%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAbu%20Dhabi%2C%20UAE%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Efinancial%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInitial%20investment%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Eundisclosed%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESize%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2044%20employees%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Eseries%20B%20in%20the%20second%20half%20of%202023%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EHilbert%20Capital%2C%20Red%20Acre%20Ventures%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Most sought after workplace benefits in the UAE
  • Flexible work arrangements
  • Pension support
  • Mental well-being assistance
  • Insurance coverage for optical, dental, alternative medicine, cancer screening
  • Financial well-being incentives 
Key recommendations
  • Fewer criminals put behind bars and more to serve sentences in the community, with short sentences scrapped and many inmates released earlier.
  • Greater use of curfews and exclusion zones to deliver tougher supervision than ever on criminals.
  • Explore wider powers for judges to punish offenders by blocking them from attending football matches, banning them from driving or travelling abroad through an expansion of ‘ancillary orders’.
  • More Intensive Supervision Courts to tackle the root causes of crime such as alcohol and drug abuse – forcing repeat offenders to take part in tough treatment programmes or face prison.
Squad

Ali Kasheif, Salim Rashid, Khalifa Al Hammadi, Khalfan Mubarak, Ali Mabkhout, Omar Abdulrahman, Mohammed Al Attas, Abdullah Ramadan, Zayed Al Ameri (Al Jazira), Mohammed Al Shamsi, Hamdan Al Kamali, Mohammed Barghash, Khalil Al Hammadi (Al Wahda), Khalid Essa, Mohammed Shaker, Ahmed Barman, Bandar Al Ahbabi (Al Ain), Al Hassan Saleh, Majid Suroor (Sharjah) Walid Abbas, Ahmed Khalil (Shabab Al Ahli), Tariq Ahmed, Jasim Yaqoub (Al Nasr), Ali Saleh, Ali Salmeen (Al Wasl), Hassan Al Muharami (Baniyas) 

Updated: February 21, 2023, 6:00 AM`
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