New EU regulation on methane emissions in the energy sector

The Council of the European Union has approved a new rule to track and reduce methane emissions in the energy sector. This rule requires measuring, reporting, and verifying methane emissions. The Council stated that global monitoring tools will ensure transparency about methane emissions from oil, gas, and coal imports into the EU.

Requirements for operators

Energy operators must measure methane emissions at the source and create monitoring reports. Independent, accredited verifiers will check these reports. The new regulations also require operators to detect and fix methane leaks regularly. Components emitting methane above a certain level must be repaired or replaced immediately, but no later than five days after a leak is found, and full repair must be done within 30 days.

Obligations of Member States

Member States must maintain and update an inventory of all wells and create mitigation plans for inactive wells to prevent methane emissions that could harm public health and the environment. They must also measure and monitor emissions from coal mines closed or abandoned for less than 70 years, as methane can still be released after production stops.

Inspections and imports

National authorities will regularly inspect operators to ensure they follow the regulation and take corrective actions as needed. The regulation bans the release and burning of methane from drainage stations starting in 2025 and from ventilation shafts starting in 2027, except in emergencies.

The new rules also require monitoring methane emissions from energy imports into the EU. Global monitoring tools will be used to increase transparency of methane emissions from imported oil, gas, and coal.

The regulation will take effect on the twentieth day after its publication in the Official Journal of the EU. The European Commission will review the regulation in 2028 to assess the reduction in methane emissions achieved.

Source: inwestycje.pl