Canada has some of the strictest rules on methane emission in the world and is building a comprehensive framework for measuring and reducing the scale of methane emissions.
Canadian producers are already achieving lower methane emissions through equipment improvements, leak prevention, gas capture, and cutbacks in flaring and venting. Industry innovations such as solar-powered pumps and tracking software are steadily decreasing methane emissions.
The IEA estimates global emissions may be 70% higher than reported: China, India, the United States, Russia, and Brazil are the top emitters, responsible for half of global methane emissions. Canada is listed as the 14th highest emitting country. Based on reported volumes, the oil and gas sector produced 38% of Canadian methane emissions in 2020.
Methane reporting tools and technologies do not always provide accurate and timely information. An accurate, comprehensive monitoring system (mobile ground, drone, airplane, and satellite sensors) is critical to understand and address global methane emissions.
Canada is building a regulatory framework for methane detection and elimination. The proposed changes include equipment upgrades, gas capture, flaring restrictions, and expanding inspection programs in order to develop a “comprehensive, nationally-consistent emission monitoring and reporting system.”
Some provinces with significant energy production are seeking to manage regulatory changes at the province level – Saskatchewan First Act, CleanBC, Alberta. Provincial leaders are pushing back against federal regulations that seem intent on shuttering oil and gas production and employment. Until renewable sources are reliable and cost-efficient, Canada and nations around the globe will continue to depend on responsibly produced Canadian energy.
Canada is part of several international initiatives:
Canada’s federal Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act and 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan are intended to reach emissions reduction targets of 40% (from 2005 levels) by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050. The plan will invest $9.1 billion in new investments to slash pollution and boost the economy.
Plan priorities:
Balancing climate concerns while recognizing real-world energy demands must be the federal priority. The Canadian oil and gas sector is essential to power the nation and the world: Canadian production is a critical source of clean, dependable, and affordable energy.
Feb 21, 2022
With $1.15 billion in federal funding on its way, states are gearing up to make the most of their money and expanding their orphan well programs to properly deal with the scale of this problem. While some states have established orphan well programs that plug hundreds of wells per year, others have been grossly underfunded for decades....
Tags: P&A | Orphan Wells | Pennsylvania
Apr 01, 2022
A Stanford University study of comprehensive aerial data – multiple measurements of 90% of wells in the New Mexico section of the Permian Basin – demonstrates the enormity of fugitive methane emissions from oil and gas production. Researchers determined that the methane releases from New Mexico’s Permian Basin are almost 200 metric tons per hour – six times higher than Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates....
Tags: New Mexico