Methane emissions reduction: a decarbonisation priority

Addressing methane emissions across the global energy value chain represents a critical opportunity for immediate climate impact and decarbonisation progress. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the energy sector was responsible for nearly 130 Mt of methane emissions in 2023, and further research shows that a large percentage of that total was from oil and gas assets. Significant momentum has emerged through collaborative initiatives, including the Global Methane Pledge, new regulatory frameworks in the US and EU – including Europe's groundbreaking measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) requirements for all hydrocarbon imports – and industry-led commitments like the Oil and Gas Decarbonisation Charter. These pragmatic and energy realism solutions champion an inclusive approach to emissions reduction while maintaining energy security. However, accelerating breakthrough technologies remains essential to overcoming persistent challenges in detection accuracy, data transparency, and supply chain complexity. Cross-sector cooperation between energy companies, technology innovators, and policymakers is vital to developing robust monitoring systems and implementing effective mitigation strategies that deliver measurable, cost-efficient results.