Methane leaks across the supply chain need to be better measured so appropriate steps can be put in place to reduce emissions from this highly potent greenhouse gas
Carbon dioxide is not the only greenhouse gas. Methane, though relatively short-lived, is a much more potent global warming pollutant, with emissions of it from the natural gas supply chain suspected of being vastly underestimated. Regulation is urgently needed to deal with the growing problem, say experts
PROBLEMS
Methane emissions from manmade sources, including the oil and gas industry, are rising. The gas is 120 times more potent than carbon dioxide kilo for kilo when emitted and some 80 times more potent over the first 20 years after it is emitted. It accounts for more than 25% of the warming the world is experiencing
SOLUTIONS
Better measurement by satellites to fully understand the scale of the problem and regulation to ensure urgent action is taken
KEY QUOTE “A 45% reduction in oil and gas methane emissions by 2025 would deliver the same 20-year climate benefit as closing one-third of the world’s coal-fired power plants.”
...
Try FORESIGHT - 30 days for €29
Smart pricing, smart technology and smart infrastructure are the three key ingredients needed to integrate the growing number of electric vehicles into the grid cost efficiently and to deliver benefits for consumers, businesses and cities, say Julia Hildermeier and Christos Kolokathis from the Regulatory Assistance Project
The EU and the US should look more closely at what China is doing to further the clean energy transition, rather than caricaturing the country as a climate villain, says Luke Sherlock senior advisor to C40 Cities
Germany is testing whether a nitrate salt thermal storage system could aid the provision of process steam for industry while earning subsidies for capturing emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and combusting it for energy supply
Research by Siemens shows the way forward to make district heating in Denmark run on clean energy sources
Geothermal heating has plenty of potential as a long-term solution to decarbonise heating and cooling systems
The Netherlands faces an unprecedented transformation as it aims in the next 30 years to switch off its gas supplies in favour of cleaner fuels