The Oil & Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 Business Case Study
Why Is Methane A Problem?
Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas with a warming potential of 80 times that of carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. The presence of methane acts as the primary contributor to the formation of ground-level ozone. The primary sources of methane emissions are human activities, such as the production and distribution of natural gas, coal mining, livestock farming, and the decomposition of waste in landfills.
Cutting the levels of methane gas emissions is the most timely opportunity we have to slow the rate of global warming. While CO2 has longer-lasting effects on the planet’s global temperature, methane from human activity is responsible for 25% of global warming and poses rapid temperature rises in the more immediate future. Reducing methane emissions is an important step in mitigating climate change and creating a more sustainable future.
What Is The OGMP 2.0?
The Oil and Gas Methane Partnership (OGMP) was originally developed in 2014 and launched in 2015. The OGMP is “a voluntary initiative to help companies reduce methane emissions in the oil and gas sector”. It is a collaborative effort between industry, government, and civil society as part of the overall efforts of the UNEP-led Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC’s) Mineral Methane Initiative (MMI).
Over the years since OGMP was launched, the issues surrounding methane emissions have changed considerably resulting in the development and implementation of OGMP 2.0. The changes in the newest framework overhaul the original OGMP to cultivate a better understanding of more strategic action to prioritize transparency around methane emissions. The main changes include:
Increased understanding of methane emissions in the oil and gas sector.
Improved credibility of methane reporting through a more consistent and thorough reporting framework.
Encourage and increase participation in OGMP from non-members by providing concrete steps on obtaining the gold standard for methane emissions.
Overview Of The OGMP Emission Reporting Levels
Reporting methane emissions in the oil and gas sector in partnership with OGMP is categorized by The OGMP Emission Reporting Levels. These include:
Asset or country level is the lowest level predominately incorporating companies with little to no understanding of their methane emissions.
Consolidated source categories including
a. Venting
b. Fugitive losses
c. Flaring
d. Energy/Combustion
e. Other
Detailed source type using generic emissions factors
Detailed source type using specific emissions factors and activity factors
Similar to Level 4 reporting but incorporating site-level measurements. This is the key step for reporting using complete and accurate technology like Earthview’s Bluebird.
Why Being Involved With OGMP Matters
Achieving the Gold Standard of the OGMP framework matters for oil and gas producers because it demonstrates a commitment to reducing methane emissions from the sector in a transparent and reputable fashion. By participating in OGMP, companies are taking a proactive step to address this issue and reduce their environmental impact.
Additionally, being involved in OGMP can help companies to:
Save money: Reducing methane emissions can lead to more efficient operations and reduced costs. For example, capturing and using recovered methane can generate additional revenue for companies.
Comply with regulations: OGMP provides a platform for companies to collaborate and share best practices for reducing methane emissions. By participating in OGMP, companies can ensure that they are meeting existing and future regulations, reducing the risk of penalties and legal action.
Create opportunities for innovation: Participating in OGMP encourages companies to find new and innovative solutions for reducing methane emissions, and can help drive progress in the sector towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.
Overall, being involved in OGMP is an important step for oil and gas producers to take in order to reduce their environmental impact, save money, and stay ahead of regulatory requirements.
Earthview Is A Tangible Solution For Methane Emissions And Achieving A Level 5 Status
Earthview is the most economical solution for achieving level 5 status. The BluBird system provides secure, accurate, and consistent measurements, allowing companies to exercise all practices to mitigate methane emissions. In one case study, Earthview helped a client reduce methane emissions by 77% in just 5 months. This reduction was the equivalent of 1,600 MT of CO2, comparable to the annual energy use of 202 homes!
Level 5 status of the OGMP framework requires complete, consistent, and accurate reporting at the site level. To achieve this, member companies will require adequate guidance and technology like Earthview’s BluBird. Earthview establishes a baseline for member companies’ methane emissions and a clear roadmap toward achieving the Level 5 Gold Standard. Roadmaps incorporate the categorization of methane emissions with Earthview providing full guidance and advice through every level of the OGMP framework.
