Enagás has signed the 'Guiding Principles on Reducing Methane Emissions across the Natural Gas Value Chain' developed in collaboration with different companies and international institutions in the sector, including the International Energy Agency (IEA), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), International Gas Union (IGU) and Sustainable Gas Institute (SGI).
These Guiding Principles focus on five key areas: improving accuracy of methane emissions data; increasing transparency; continually reducing methane emissions; advocating sound policies and regulations on methane emissions; and advancing strong performance across gas value chains.
This commitment is a part of other broader initiatives put into place by the international energy industry to enhance the role of the gas sector in the context of decarbonising the economy and the fight against climate change.
This signing by Enagás highlights the company’s commitment to reducing methane emissions, a field in which Enagás has been working for many years. Among other advances, the company has perfected the detection of methane emissions with the support of the Enagás start-up Vira Gas Imaging, a manufacturer of infra-red cameras. Furthermore, the company actively collaborates with different associations on related study and research.
‘Numerous studies have shown the importance of quickly reducing methane emissions if we are to meet growing energy demand and multiple environmental goals,’ said Mark Radka, head of the UN Environment’s Energy and Climate Branch, adding: ‘The Guiding Principles provide an excellent framework for doing so across the entire natural gas value chain, particularly if they’re linked to reporting on the emissions reductions achieved.’
