Mitigating methane emissions in gas transmission and distribution networks: the role of OGMP certification and LDAR programs
Ograniczanie emisji metanu w sieciach przesyłowych i dystrybucyjnych gazu: rola certyfikacji OGMP i programów LDAR
Szymon Kuczyński
Streszczenie
Methane, the second most potent anthropogenic greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide, plays a critical role in shortterm
climate change due to its high radiative efficiency and relatively short atmospheric lifespan. While its natural sources
remain constant, human-driven methane emissions—largely from fossil fuel operations, agriculture, and waste—have
increased sharply since the 19th century. This paper investigates methane emissions across the gas value chain in the European
Union, focusing on leak detection, quantification, and regulatory mitigation strategies. Special attention is given to the
implementation of the EU Methane Strategy and the IEA’s Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario, which require aggressive
reductions in methane emissions from fossil fuel infrastructure. The study analyzes the effectiveness of Leak Detection and
Repair (LDAR) programs, along with advanced measurement methods including optical gas imaging, high-flow sampling, and
infrared sensing. Emissions are categorized into fugitive leaks, venting, and incomplete combustion, with distribution networks
identified as the largest contributor. Regulatory instruments such as the OGMP 2.0 reporting tiers and the EU methane
regulation mandate high-resolution data collection and rapid remediation. Despite technological advances, uncertainties
remain in emission factor accuracy and leak duration assumptions, highlighting the need for further field validation. The
findings underscore methane mitigation as a cost-effective and urgent climate priority.
climate change due to its high radiative efficiency and relatively short atmospheric lifespan. While its natural sources
remain constant, human-driven methane emissions—largely from fossil fuel operations, agriculture, and waste—have
increased sharply since the 19th century. This paper investigates methane emissions across the gas value chain in the European
Union, focusing on leak detection, quantification, and regulatory mitigation strategies. Special attention is given to the
implementation of the EU Methane Strategy and the IEA’s Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario, which require aggressive
reductions in methane emissions from fossil fuel infrastructure. The study analyzes the effectiveness of Leak Detection and
Repair (LDAR) programs, along with advanced measurement methods including optical gas imaging, high-flow sampling, and
infrared sensing. Emissions are categorized into fugitive leaks, venting, and incomplete combustion, with distribution networks
identified as the largest contributor. Regulatory instruments such as the OGMP 2.0 reporting tiers and the EU methane
regulation mandate high-resolution data collection and rapid remediation. Despite technological advances, uncertainties
remain in emission factor accuracy and leak duration assumptions, highlighting the need for further field validation. The
findings underscore methane mitigation as a cost-effective and urgent climate priority.