OGCI partners with IOGP and Ipieca to help operators select methane mitigation technologies
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September 25, 2023 — The Oil and Gas Climate Initiative (OGCI), together with industry associations Ipieca and IOGP have released a recommended practices guide to help operators select and deploy methane detection and quantification technologies.
The three organizations collaborated on the project as eliminating methane emissions from the upstream oil and gas industry represents one of the best short-term opportunities for contributing to climate change mitigation and for advancing the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Commissioned by the three organizations and supported by Carbon Limits and expert input from the external technology providers, the report provides criteria that operators can consider in selecting technology, guidance on technology deployment, and examples of operators’ experiences with different technology combinations.
An online technology filtering tool, detailed technology data sheets covering over 50 technologies, and decision trees to guide technology deployment have also been developed alongside the report.
“To address methane emissions quickly, and at scale, knowledge of the latest technologies and best practices must be shared across our industry – like safety, climate action is a not a competitive endeavour. The combined expertise of three leading organizations will be invaluable to operators who are striving to reach near zero methane emissions.”
OGCI Executive Committee Chair Bjorn Otto Sverdrup
“We are delighted to have played a key role in the development of recommended practices that will help operators select and deploy methane detection and quantification technologies,” said Harvey Johnstone, Environment Director at IOGP. “This is well aligned with our mission as the global voice of the upstream oil and gas industry and consistent with our ongoing activities, in particular in the area of emissions reduction.”
“The Ipieca Principles on climate action highlight Ipieca’s support for the Paris Agreement and advancing emissions reduction, and are underpinned by operational good practice. These recommended technologies, good practices and data sets can support oil and gas operators to quickly and significantly reduce their methane emissions and contribute to addressing climate change.” Brian Sullivan, Ipieca Executive Director
The report acknowledges that there is no one-size-fits-all approach for technology, so provides operators with a framework and guidelines for selecting and deploying technologies that are tailored to their facilities and objectives. Extensive interviews and discussions conducted as part of the project were used to inform all recommendations.
The Oil and Gas Climate Initiative is a CEO-led organization bringing together 12 of the largest companies worldwide to lead the oil and gas industry’s response to climate change. It aims to accelerate action towards a net zero emissions future consistent with the Paris Agreement. Together, OGCI member companies represent almost 30% of global oil and gas production.
Combined, OGCI members have invested more than US$35 billion in low carbon solutions over the past five years. OGCI members are Aramco, bp, Chevron, CNPC, Eni, Equinor, ExxonMobil, Occidental, Petrobras, Repsol, Shell and TotalEnergies.
OGCI members set up Climate Investment to create a US$1 billion-plus fund that invests in companies, technologies and projects that accelerate decarbonization within energy, industry, built environments and transportation.
International Association of Oil & Gas Producers
The International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP) is the global voice of our industry, pioneering excellence in safe, efficient and sustainable energy supply – an enabling partner for a low-carbon future. Our Members operate around the globe, producing over 40% of the world’s oil and gas. Together, we identify and share knowledge and good practices to improve the industry in areas such as health, safety, the environment, efficiency and the energy transition.
Ipieca
Ipieca is the global oil and gas association dedicated to advancing environmental and social performance across the energy transition. It brings together members and stakeholders to lead in integrating sustainability by advancing climate action, environmental responsibility and social performance across oil, gas and renewables activities.
Ipieca was founded at the request of the United Nations Environment Programme in 1974. Through its non-lobby and collaborative approach Ipieca remains the industry’s principal channel of engagement with the UN.
Accenture joins Aiming for Zero Methane Emissions Initiative to curb methane emissions in the oil and gas industry
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Accenture, a leading global professional services company, has signed as a supporter for Aiming for Zero, an initiative launched by the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative (OGCI) to encourage the oil and gas industry to cut methane emissions.
Accenture joins over 80 companies that have pledged to achieve near-zero methane emissions from operated oil and gas assets by 2030. Reducing methane emissions from oil and gas is one path to help meet the objectives of the Paris Climate Agreement and is a top priority for OGCI, which launched the initiative last year.
Bjørn Otto Sverdrup, OGCI Executive Committee Chairman, said: “I’m delighted Accenture has joined as a supporter of Aiming for Zero, connecting a growing number of businesses across the world who are committed to reaching near-zero methane emissions.
“Supporters like Accenture are key to the success of the initiative. They strive to transform businesses at speed and scale, and that’s exactly what’s needed to reach near-zero methane from oil and gas operations to help limit global warming.”
Accenture deploys digital technologies in its work with oil and gas companies to help drive efficiency in operations and maintenance – critical areas for managing and reducing methane emissions. Its Methane Emissions Monitoring Platform enables operators to measure baseline methane emissions in real time and detect leaks so they can be addressed.
Technological breakthroughs, combined with a shift in how people work and appropriate incentives, are imperative for tackling methane emissions.
“Fifty percent of oil and gas CO2 equivalent emissions are from methane,” said John Downie, senior managing director and global Energy lead, Accenture. “By adopting a preventative approach that is enabled by technology platforms instead of today’s reactive, find-and-fix approach, the industry could accelerate the near total elimination of methane from its production system within the next decade. With decades of experience in the oil and gas industry, we’re excited to join the Aiming for Zero Initiative.”
Aiming for Zero supplements a number of other multi-stakeholder initiatives to reduce methane emissions, including the Methane Guiding Principles, the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 and the Global Methane Alliance.
Background
OGCI is a CEO-led organization bringing together 12 of the world’s largest energy companies to lead the oil and gas industry’s response to climate change. The group aims to accelerate collective action towards a net-zero emissions future in line with the Paris Agreement.
AIRMO joins Aiming for Zero Methane Emissions Initiative as a Supporter
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AIRMO, a start-up at the crossroads of climatetech and spacetech, is the latest company to pledge its support for the Aiming for Zero Methane Emissions Initiative, which aims to reduce methane emissions from oil and gas operations to near zero by 2030.
AIRMO builds and operates satellites fitted with Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology for greenhouse gas monitoring. The use of LiDAR technology increases the quantity and quality of data available to oil and gas operators, leading to faster mitigation of methane emissions.
Bjørn Otto Sverdrup, Chairman of OGCI’s Executive Committee, said:
“We are delighted to welcome AIRMO as a supporter of the Aiming for Zero Methane Emissions initiative. AIRMO’s work improves the availability and accuracy of methane emissions data via satellite technology, leading to faster mitigation. Their support further strengthens the initiative and sends a signal of their commitment to eliminate methane emissions from the oil and gas industry.”
Harriet von Kügelgen, Co-Founder of AIRMO, said:
“As a supporter of the Aiming for Zero Methane Emissions initiative, we make a very clear statement to the signatories of the initiative that we are aligned with their goals, and we have the expertise and capabilities to help them get to zero methane emissions by 2030 or sooner. Through collaboration, innovation, and reliable methane monitoring, AIRMO is committed to making a significant contribution to combating climate change and ensuring a sustainable future for all.”
AIRMO joins over 80 companies, including major oil and gas producers, service companies and leading global consultancies, in pledging to address methane emissions with the same urgency as industry safety measures. All of the initiative’s signatories and supporters believe virtually all methane emissions from the industry can and should be avoided.
Background
OGCI is a CEO-led organization bringing together 12 of the world’s largest energy companies to lead the oil and gas industry’s response to climate change. The group aims to accelerate collective action towards a net-zero emissions future in line with the Paris Agreement.
OGCI publishes guidance to help oil and gas companies reduce their methane emissions
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OGCI guidance lays out a pathway that includes identifying emissions sources, taking a systematic approach and prioritizing the biggest abatement opportunities
The guidance can be used at any asset or location and incorporates best practice, new technologies and existing regulation
OGCI’s guidance also provides examples of globally recognized targets, standards and protocols for methane emissions to aid companies’ efforts
The Oil and Gas Climate Initiative (OGCI) has set out guidance for oil and gas companies seeking to cut methane emissions to near zero – a vital step to achieving Paris Agreement climate goals and a key focus for the 12-member group.
The paper sets out a four-step pathway to support operators’ efforts to reduce their emissions of the gas. This includes identifying potential sources of methane emissions and taking an inventory, determining how those emissions will be mitigated, prioritizing the biggest opportunities and taking a systematic approach to abatement.
The process is designed to be implemented across a company’s business units at any asset or location, and will build on lessons learned, best practice, new technologies and existing regulation.
OGCI Executive Committee Chair Bjørn Otto Sverdrup said:
“It’s clear that reducing methane emissions from the oil and gas industry to near zero will be essential if we are to achieve the ambitions of the Paris Agreement and OGCI’s guidance sets out in a clear and straightforward way how that can be achieved.
“It also recommends that companies focus on the most significant opportunities to mitigate methane emissions and embrace new technologies to deliver these reductions.”
Bjørn Otto Sverdrup, Oil and Gas Climate Initiative Executive Committee Chair
The guidance also provides examples of targets, standards and protocols for methane emissions to aid companies, including from OGCI, UNEP’s reporting and mitigation programme the Oil & Gas Methane Partnership 2.0, the Natural Gas Sustainability Initiative, gas certification non-profit MiQ and the World Bank.
OGCI, which is led by the CEOs of the 12 largest energy companies, has focused on reducing methane emissions from operated oil and gas assets since the group was set up in 2014.
Last year, OGCI launched Aiming for Zero Methane Emissions – an initiative designed to spur companies to reduce methane emissions from operated oil and gas to near zero by 2030 by switching the mindset to treat methane as seriously as safety and preventing oil spills.
Support for the initiative, which is open to the entire industry, has grown quickly. It now numbers around 90 companies, including private and state-run energy companies, service firms, technology providers, consultancies and other organizations.
The target of aiming for zero methane emissions by 2030 is fast becoming a standard reference point for industry, as OGCI’s 2018 methane intensity target did before it.
Dana Gas becomes the 20th signatory of the Aiming for Zero Methane Emissions Initiative
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Natural gas company Dana Gas is the latest signatory to the Aiming for Zero Methane Emissions Initiative. The Middle East’s largest regional private sector natural gas company becomes the 20th producer to commit to achieving near-zero methane emissions from operated oil and gas assets by 2030.
The Aiming for Zero Methane Emissions Initiative establishes an all-in approach that treats methane emissions as seriously as the oil and gas industry already treats safety. As well as commitments from signatories, more than 60 organizations have signed up as supporters of the initiative.
All the initiative’s signatories and supporters believe virtually all methane emissions from the industry can and should be avoided.
Bjørn Otto Sverdrup, Chairman of OGCI’s Executive Committee, said:
“I’m delighted that Dana Gas has added further support to the Aiming for Zero Methane Emissions Initiative. With exploration and production, as well as processing and transportation assets, the company can have a significant impact on methane emissions. We look forward to working with Dana Gas as we further develop this essential cross-industry initiative.”
As a signatory of Aiming for Zero, Dana Gas has committed to put in place all reasonable means to avoid methane venting and flaring and to repair detected leaks, while preserving the safety of people and the integrity of operations. The results of these efforts will be reported annually and transparently.
Patrick Allman-Ward, CEO of Dana Gas, added:
“We have made significant strides in addressing energy efficiency and Greenhouse Gas emissions in the past few years, including achieving a 47% reduction in flaring since 2019.”
“There has historically been a lack of reliable, accurate and quantified data on methane emissions across the portfolio, which has started to improve with greater focus on this area, such as leak detection & repair programmes and more robust measurement and monitoring of fugitive losses. We have reported methane emissions numbers for the first time in our latest 2022 Sustainability Report.”
“Working towards eliminating methane emissions from our operations is a top priority for the company and we look forward to collaborating with the Aiming for Zero Initiative to further improve and implement best-in-class approaches for our industry.”
Background
OGCI is a CEO-led organization bringing together 12 of the world’s largest energy companies to lead the oil and gas industry’s response to climate change. The group aims to accelerate collective action towards a net-zero emissions future in line with the Paris Agreement.
Intero – The Sniffers joins Aiming for Zero Methane Emissions Initiative as a Supporter
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Intero – The Sniffers has joined over 80 companies, including major oil and gas producers, service companies and leading global consultancies, in pledging to support the global “Aiming for Zero Methane Emissions Initiative” to reduce methane emissions from oil and gas operations to near zero by 2030.
Reducing methane emissions from oil and gas production is one of the quickest ways to help achieve the ambitions of the Paris Agreement to limit global warming. It is a top priority for the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative (OGCI), which launched the initiative last year.
Philippe Guldemont, Managing Director of Intero – The Sniffers said: “As a global service provider in emission management and pipeline integrity programs for the oil, gas, and (petro)chemical industry, we have over 30 years of experience in realizing our customers’ environmental, sustainability, and integrity ambitions with emission monitoring projects and pipeline inspection surveys. By supporting the Aiming for Zero Initiative, we reinforce our commitment to help our customers strive for a net zero emissions future. We embrace the power of innovation and collective action in the quest for a greener tomorrow.”
Quote Bjorn Otto – ExCom chairman:
“I’m delighted that Intero – The Sniffers has joined the Aiming for Zero Methane Emissions Initiative. Their commitment will help to strengthen this vital initiative.
“Intero – The Sniffers is a global leader in detecting and measuring emissions and their support will play an important role in enabling this industry-wide effort to reduce methane emissions.”
OGCI is a CEO-led initiative bringing together 12 of the world’s largest energy companies to lead the oil and gas industry’s response to climate change. The group aims to accelerate collective action towards a net zero emissions future consistent with the Paris Agreement.
Aiming for Zero complements a number of other multi-stakeholder initiatives to reduce methane emissions, including the Methane Guiding Principles, the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 and the Global Methane Alliance.
Background
OGCI members produce around 30% of global oil and gas.
OGCI’s member companies have collectively reduced their own upstream methane emissions, achieving a reduction in their methane intensity target four years early, while continuing to reduce flaring.
Since 2017, these actions have reduced absolute upstream methane emissions by 40% and cut flaring by a third.
Bureau Veritas pledges its support for Aiming for Zero Methane Emissions Initiative
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Bureau Veritas joins over 80 companies, including major oil and gas producers, service companies and leading global consultancies, in pledging to achieve net zero methane emissions from oil and gas operations by 2030.
Reducing methane emissions from oil and gas production is one of the quickest ways to help achieve the objectives of the Paris Agreement. It is a top priority for the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative (OGCI), which launched the Aiming for Zero Methane Emissions initiative last year.
OGCI Executive Committee Chair Bjorn Otto Sverdrup said: “I’m delighted that Bureau Veritas has joined the Aiming for Zero Methane Emissions Initiative. BV’s commitment will help to strengthen the initiative and sends a clear signal that the time for change is now.
BV, with its more than 82,000 employees, is a world leader in testing, inspection and certification and I am convinced they can play a key role in the industry-wide effort to reduce methane emissions.”
Through the BV Green Line of sustainability services and solutions, Bureau Veritas helps organizations assess their carbon footprint, identify emissions hotspots, and develop a Net Zero roadmap with clear actions to reduce emissions. It is within this framework that the Group has committed to the global initiative.
As a supporter of Aiming for Zero, Bureau Veritas will help industry players implement and evaluate improvement programs. It can also verify their information, enabling companies to transparently communicate their progress toward net zero.
Andrea di Lillo, Business Development director Oil & Gas business line at Bureau Veritas said:
“Achieving net zero emissions is a powerful driver for accelerating the energy transition. We recognize that eliminating methane emissions from the upstream oil and gas industry represents one of the best short-term opportunities for contributing to climate change mitigation.
We’re pleased to join the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative as a supporter of the Aiming for Zero Methane Emissions initiative. With years of experience, we are well positioned to help the industry increase confidence in data, align investment with strategy and implement improvement programs. In addition, through verifying information, we enable industry players to communicate transparently about their progress toward net zero.”
OGCI is a CEO-led organization bringing together 12 of the world’s largest energy companies to lead the oil and gas industry’s response to climate change. The group aims to accelerate collective action towards a net-zero emissions future in line with the Paris Agreement.
Bureau Veritas is the first Testing, Inspection & Certification company to support Aiming for Zero. BV can provide independent third-party guidance based on its expertise in the energy sector and knowledge of standards and legislations.
As a Business to Business to Society company, Bureau Veritas is committed to tackling the world’s most pressing challenges. It will continue to support its clients in their efforts to reduce their carbon footprint, achieve net zero emissions, implement sustainable resource use and manage the energy transition.
IEA report emissions from oil and gas operations in net zero transitions
Reporting
Following the IEA’s new report highlighting the need for the oil and gas industry to drastically cut emissions from its operations,
Oil and Gas Climate Initiative Vice President Strategy & Policy Julien Perez said:
“Today’s IEA report highlights that reducing methane emissions from the oil and gas industry is the single most important measure and could reduce emissions by up to 1.2 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2030, equivalent to emissions from the aviation industry.
“The OGCI is taking action on all of the key levers the IEA identified to achieve this reduction, notably on methane emissions. Cutting methane emissions is a major priority for OGCI and collectively our members have already reduced methane emissions by 40% since 2017 and cut upstream flaring by a third. But action needs to be stepped up more broadly across the industry if we are to meet the Paris Agreement targets.
“OGCI is helping to build a coalition of companies committed to reducing emissions from their operations through the Aiming for Zero Methane Emissions Initiative, which has already been endorsed by over 80 companies and organizations, but more companies need to join our collective effort if we are to meet this critical target.”
The Oil and Gas Climate Initiative is a CEO-led organization bringing together 12 of the largest companies worldwide to lead the oil and gas industry’s response to climate change. It aims to accelerate action towards a net zero emissions future consistent with the Paris Agreement. Together, OGCI member companies represent almost 30% of global oil and gas production.
JGC Holdings becomes first Japanese company to join Aiming for Zero
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March 6, 2023: JGC Holdings Corporation has pledged its support for the OGCI-developed Aiming for Zero Methane Emissions Initiative, becoming the first Japanese company to join a growing oil industry effort to eliminate methane emissions from operations to support net zero.
Welcoming the engineering, construction and procurement specialist, OGCI Executive Committee Chairman Bjørn Otto Sverdrup said: “I’m delighted JGC Holdings has joined this important initiative.
“Eliminating methane from oil and gas operations is one of the quickest ways to help meet the Paris Agreement targets. JGC’s commitment further strengthens the Aiming for Zero initiative and sends a clear signal that the industry is stepping up action to decarbonize.”
Oil and gas production is responsible for about a quarter of global man-made methane emissions.
While methane is shorter-lived in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide, it packs a bigger warming punch and is responsible for 30% of the rise in global temperatures since the start of the Industrial Revolution, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
JGC joins over 70 companies, including major oil and gas and service companies, in Aiming for Zero. It said today in a statement <LINK> that joining the initiative is an important step in the company’s decarbonization path.
Supporters like JGC are key to the initiative as they can enable oil and gas producers to eliminate their methane footprint. The initiative outlines a clear pathway toward rapid emissions reductions for signatories. But they cannot solve the methane problem on their own. That’s why the initiative is open to supporters who can help them to eliminate their methane footprint – and why the participation of companies such as JGC is so important.
The CEOs of OGCI member companies – Aramco, bp, Chevron, CNPC, Eni, Equinor, ExxonMobil, Occidental, Petrobras, Repsol, Shell and TotalEnergies, launched Aiming for Zero in March 2022.
Energy companies involved in the exploration, extraction and/or production of oil or natural gas can join as signatories. Other organizations striving to help reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas industry can join as supporters.
As well as the OGCI member companies, signatories include the world’s largest LNG exporter, QatarEnergy, and upstream gas producer, Wintershall. The initiative’s supporters include energy technology giant Baker Hughes, Australian-American engineering company Worley and industry association IPIECA.
The Oil and Gas Climate Initiative (OGCI) is a CEO-led organization bringing together 12 of the world’s largest energy companies to lead the oil and gas industry’s response to climate change. The group aims to accelerate collective action towards a net zero emissions future consistent with the Paris Agreement.
Australian producer Woodside Energy is the latest signatory to the Aiming for Zero Methane Emissions Initiative. It joins QatarEnergy, Wintershall DEA, Neptune Energy and the 12 member companies of the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative (OGCI) in a bid to achieve near-zero methane emissions from operated oil and gas assets by 2030.
Woodside CEO Meg O’Neill said: “Signing this initiative is an example of our commitment to meeting our own emissions reduction targets, and to encouraging our entire industry to join this effort.
“Minimizing methane emissions has historically been a priority for Woodside. For example, frontline engineering, operations and maintenance staff are empowered to understand and act on methane emissions to support a sustainable ‘find and fix’ philosophy that can be implemented by site personnel,” she added.
OGCI Executive Committee Chair Bjørn Otto Sverdrup said: “I am delighted Woodside Energy has joined the Aiming for Zero Methane Emissions Initiative. Woodside’s commitment further strengthens the initiative, sending a clear signal that the time for incremental change is past.”
Italian services giant Saipem is the latest company to pledge its support for the OGCI-incubated Aiming for Zero Methane Emissions Initiative, which aims to eliminate methane emissions from signatories’ operations by 2030.
Aiming for Zero Methane Emissions Initiative recognizes that virtually all methane emissions from the industry can and should be avoided. It was developed by members of the OGCI, a CEO-led group that aims to speed up the industry’s response to climate change.
Aiming for Zero outlines a clear pathway toward rapid emissions reductions for signatories. But they cannot solve the methane problem on their own. That’s why the initiative is open to supporters who can help them to eliminate their methane footprint – and why the participation of companies such as Saipem is so important.
Mauro Piasere, COO of Saipem with Bjorn Otto Sverdrup
In 2021 oil and gas production was responsible for about 22% of global man-made methane emissions. IEA data show that methane emissions from the energy sector lagged overall growth in energy use last year, but they still grew by about 5%.
Methane, which leaves the atmosphere faster than carbon dioxide but packs a bigger warming punch, is responsible for 30% of the rise in global temperatures since the start of the Industrial Revolution, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Saipem said in a statement, released today, that joining Aiming For Zero is also an important additional step in its path towards decarbonization.
Supporters like Saipem are key to the initiative – they can enable oil and gas producers to eliminate their methane footprint.
This initiative supplements important multi-stakeholder initiatives, such as the Methane Guiding Principles, the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 and the Global Methane Alliance.
Schlumberger signs up to Aiming for Zero Methane Emissions Initiative
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Global oilfield services giant Schlumberger announced its support for the Aiming for Zero Methane Emissions Initiative, incubated by OGCI, with the aim of eliminating methane emissions from signatories’ operations by 2030.
As an Aiming for Zero supporter, Schlumberger will work closely with the initiative’s signatories, providing expertise and technology solutions for detection and abatement that can help producers, refiners and marketers meet these methane reduction goals.
“By joining the initiative, Schlumberger’s management sends a strong statement that they share the ambition to eliminate methane leaks from the oil and gas industry,” said Bjørn Otto Sverdrup, chair of OGCI’s executive committee. “Schlumberger has strong partnerships and works with many oil, gas and energy companies, so they will be able to make a very important contribution in reducing emissions more quickly,” he added.
Kahina Abdeli-Galinier, Schlumberger’s emissions business director, said: “Eliminating methane emissions and routine flaring is our chance to show the world that our industry is serious about addressing the climate crisis. As a supporter of the Aiming for Zero initiative, we make a very clear statement to signatory participants that we are aligned with their goals, and we have the expertise and capabilities to help them get to zero methane emissions by 2030 or sooner.”
Signatories of the initiative commit to achieving near-zero methane emissions from their operations by 2030. As part of the commitment, the companies agree to pursue all reasonable means to avoid methane venting and flaring, and to repair detected leaks, while preserving the safety of people and the integrity of operations.Aiming for Zero initiative complements other multistakeholder initiatives, such as the Methane Guiding Principles, the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 and the Global Methane Alliance, and does not aim to duplicate their work. The initiative was launched in March this year.
Vår Energi, Aibel and Offshore Norge announced their commitment at the ONS conference in Stavanger.
Bjørn Otto Sverdrup, chairman of the Oil & Gas Climate Initiative (OGCI), said: “By joining the initiative, Vår Energi, Aibel and Offshore Norge are declaring that they share the ambition to eliminate methane emissions from the oil and gas industry.
“Their presence strengthens the initiative and sends a clear signal that the time for incremental change is past.”
The Aiming for Zero Methane Emissions Initiative was launched in March 2022 by the CEOs of the OGCI member companies – Aramco, bp, Chevron, CNPC, Eni, Equinor, ExxonMobil, Occidental, Petrobras, Repsol, Shell and TotalEnergies.
All energy companies involved in the exploration, extraction and/or production of oil or natural gas can join as signatories. Other organizations striving to help reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas industry can join as supporters.
Companies joining the Initiative agree to do what it takes to reach near zero methane emissions in their operations, reporting transparently, adopting better monitoring and measurement technologies and supporting the implementation of sound regulations. The initiative’s all-in approach treats methane emissions as seriously as the industry already treats safety.
Methane, which leaves the atmosphere faster than carbon dioxide but packs a bigger warming punch, is responsible for 30% of the rise in global temperatures since the start of the Industrial Revolution, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
In 2021 oil and gas production was responsible for 22% of global man-made methane emissions. IEA data show that methane emissions from the energy sector lagged overall growth in energy use last year, but they still grew by about 5%.
The Aiming for Zero Methane Emissions Initiative recognizes that virtually all methane emissions from the industry can and should be avoided. It was developed by members of the OGCI, a CEO-led group that aims to speed up the industry’s response to climate change.
The initiative supplements important multi-stakeholder initiatives, such as the Methane Guiding Principles, the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 and the Global Methane Alliance.
There are 16 signatories and 34 supporters of the initiative. As well as the OGCI member companies, signatories include the world’s largest LNG exporter, QatarEnergy, and upstream gas producer, Wintershall. The initiative’s supporters include energy technology giant Baker Hughes, Australian-American engineering company Worley and industry association IPIECA.
Wintershall DEA and Neptune Energy are the two newest signatories to the Aiming for Zero Methane Emissions Initiative, joining QatarEnergy and the 12 member companies of the Oil & Gas Climate Initiative (OGCI) in a bid to achieve near-zero methane emissions from operated oil and gas assets by 2030.
Signatories of the industry-led initiative adopt an all-in approach that treats methane emissions as seriously as the industry already treats safety.
The initiative also counts Baker Hughes, Worley, IPECA, GHGSat, Flare 2 Value, Seek Ops and Carbon Limits as supporters.
“We are proud to welcome Wintershall DEA and Neptune Energy to the Aiming for Zero Methane Emissions Initiative. Recognizing that eliminating methane emissions from the oil and gas industry represents one of the best short-term ways of addressing climate change, I encourage others to join this ambitious effort to eliminate the oil and gas industry’s methane footprint by 2030.”
Bob Dudley, OGCI Chair
The Aiming for Zero Methane Emissions Initiative was launched in March 2022 by the CEOs of the OGCI member companies – Saudi Aramco, bp, Chevron, CNPC, Eni, Equinor, ExxonMobil, Occidental, Petrobras, Repsol, Shell and TotalEnergies.
All energy companies involved in the exploration, extraction and/or production of oil or natural gas can join as Signatories at no financial cost. Other organizations striving to have a positive influence on reducing methane emissions from the oil and gas industry can join as Supporters.
Companies joining the Initiative agree to do what it takes to reach near zero methane emissions in their operations, reporting transparently, adopting better monitoring and measurement technologies and supporting the implementation of sound regulations.
QatarEnergy joins industry-led initiative aiming to eliminate methane footprint by 2030
Advocacy
QatarEnergy today signed up to the Aiming for Zero Methane Emissions Initiative, joining the 12 member companies of the Oil & Gas Climate Initiative (OGCI) in a bid to achieve near-zero methane emissions from operated oil and gas assets by 2030.
Signatories of the industry-led initiative adopt an all-in approach that treats methane emissions as seriously as the industry already treats safety.
QatarEnergy joins 12 existing signatories – Saudi Aramco, bp, Chevron, CNPC, Eni, Equinor, ExxonMobil, Occidental, Petrobras, Repsol, Shell and TotalEnergies. The initiative also counts IPIECA, Worley, Wood Mackenzie, Highwood Emissions Management, Maze Environmental, Pipeline360, Equitable Origin, ERM, Clarke Valve and OGTECH as supporters.
OGCI Chair Bob Dudley said: “We are proud to welcome QatarEnergy, one of the world’s largest integrated energy providers, to the Aiming for Zero Methane Emissions Initiative.
“Recognizing that eliminating methane emissions from the oil and gas industry represents one of the best short-term ways of addressing climate change, I encourage others to join this ambitious effort to eliminate the oil and gas industry’s methane footprint by 2030.”
His Excellency Mr. Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, the Minister of State for Energy Affairs in the State of Qatar, the President and CEO of QatarEnergy, said: “By being the first company to join the Aiming for Zero Methane Emissions Initiative, we are reaffirming Qatar’s priorities and commitments with regards to the climate change agenda, and its unwavering support to the global effort to reducing emissions, including methane.
“This also falls in line with QatarEnergy’s recently announced Sustainability Strategy and follows landmark steps that include signing the guiding principles on reducing methane emissions across the natural gas value chain and endorsing the Global Methane Pledge.”
The Aiming for Zero Methane Emissions Initiative was launched in March 2022 by the CEOs of the OGCI member companies. All energy companies involved in the exploration, extraction and/or production of oil or natural gas can join as Signatories at no financial cost. Other organizations striving to have a positive influence on reducing methane emissions from the oil and gas industry can join as Supporters.
Companies joining the Initiative agree to do what it takes to reach near zero methane emissions in their operations, reporting transparently, adopting better monitoring and measurement technologies and supporting the implementation of sound regulations.
OGCI members aim for zero methane emissions from oil and gas operations by 2030
Measurement & verification
The Oil and Gas Climate Initiative (OGCI) today launched the Aiming for Zero Methane Emissions Initiative which calls for an all-in approach that treats energy industry methane emissions as seriously as the industry already treats safety: aiming for zero and striving to do what is needed to get there.
We recognize that eliminating methane emissions from the upstream oil and gas industry represents one of the best short-term opportunities for contributing to climate change mitigation and for advancing the goals of the Paris Agreement.
The Initiative is already supported by the CEOs of Aramco, bp, Chevron, CNPC, Eni, Equinor, ExxonMobil, Occidental, Petrobras, Repsol, Shell and TotalEnergies. OGCI encourages all oil and gas companies to join them in this approach.
Signatories to Aiming for Zero Methane Emissions Initiative believe that virtually all methane emissions from the industry can and should be avoided, building on the following:
We will strive to reach near zero methane emissions from our operated oil and gas assets by 2030, and we will encourage our partners to achieve similar results.
We will put in place all reasonable means to avoid methane venting and flaring, and to repair detected leaks, while preserving the safety of people and the integrity of operations.
Signatories will report annually and transparently on their methane emissions.
As technology evolves, we will supplement methane emissions estimates with more monitoring and measurement technologies, and introduce new solutions to avoid methane emissions. We welcome the continued improvement of measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) mechanisms.
We support the implementation of sound regulations to tackle methane emissions and encourage governments to include methane emissions reduction targets as part of their climate strategies.
This leadership initiative supplements important multi-stakeholder initiatives, such as the Methane Guiding Principles, the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 and the Global Methane Alliance.
OGCI has already taken significant action to reduce methane emissions, setting targets, developing and deploying technologies and participating in multi-stakeholder initiatives to raise awareness and improve practices. The member companies have reported collective progress on methane since 2017 and have reduced their aggregate absolute methane emissions by more than 30% in the last five years.
OGCI remains committed to its methane intensity target of well below 0.20% by 2025 and will be reviewing its shared targets for 2025 and onwards, to account for this new initiative and its new strategy launched in September 2021.
“We recognize that eliminating methane emissions from the upstream oil and gas industry represents one of the best short-term opportunities for contributing to climate change mitigation and for advancing the goals of the Paris agreement,” said OGCI Chair, Bob Dudley. “The time has come for us to go further, and we believe that the oil and gas industry can and should lead this effort.”
Bjorn Otto Sverdrup, OGCI Executive Committee Chair said, “With this leadership initiative, we are calling for an all-in approach that treats methane emissions as seriously as the oil and gas industry already treats safety: we aim for zero and we will strive to do what is needed to get there. We are encouraging all oil and gas companies to join us in this approach.”
