EU steps up efforts to abate methane emissions with partners at COP29

At COP29 in Baku today, the European Commission has launched a new Methane Abatement Partnership Roadmap to further accelerate the reduction of methane emissions associated with fossil energy production and consumption, in collaboration with a number of partner countries, international organisations, NGOs and development banks. This new Roadmap provides a blueprint for cooperation between fossil fuel importing and exporting countries, which will support companies in improving their monitoring, reporting and verification systems to reduce methane emissions. Under the Global Methane Pledge, launched by the EU and the U.S., more than 150 countries are now implementing a collective goal of reducing global anthropogenic methane emissions by at least 30% by 2030, from 2020 levels. The Roadmap sets out a series of concrete actions to be undertaken by both sides, such as the adoption of policies and measures including a robust Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) system building on the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 (OGMP 2.0) principles, as well as a project plan to abate emissions from existing assets, providing a clear timeline, investment plan and human resource needs.

These partnerships to accelerate the mitigation of methane emissions were announced by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at COP28 in Dubai and build on the ‘Joint Declaration from Energy Importers and Exporters on Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Fossil Fuels’ signed by the United States, the European Union, Japan, Canada, Norway and Singapore at COP27​. Following’s today launch of the Roadmap, the first examples of partnership implementation will be showcased at COP30 in Brazil.

Background 

The Global Methane Pledge has generated unprecedented momentum for methane action, with endorsement from 158 countries so far. At the same time, the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 (OGMP 2.0) covers 42% of global oil and gas production, and more national regulations and initiatives have been adopted. On top of fostering global cooperation to reduce methane emissions, the EU has put in place a first-of-its-kind regulation to tackle harmful methane emissions not only in the EU, but also from imported fossil fuels. 

While the Global Methane Pledge has been a catalyst for action, reports by the 2024 Global Methane Tracker have shown that the world is not on track to reach a 30% reduction of methane emissions by 2030. Further policies, additional transparent and measurement-based data and extensive investment plans are needed to deliver on these targets. 

At COP28 last year, the EU and its Member States announced €175 million in support of the Methane Finance Sprint to boost methane reduction at the Summit. 

Quotes

Commissioner for Climate Action, Wopke Hoekstra said:

 'Reducing methane emissions from the energy sector is a low-hanging fruit for climate action. It makes economic sense. It indeed helps boost our energy security while reducing emissions. The Roadmap we are launching today shows the way ahead in terms of fostering cooperation between importing and exporting countries. For the EU, it is clear: we will only be able to tackle methane emissions effectively if we work together across global supply chains with everyone involved.'

Dr Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency said:

 'Fossil fuel importers have an opportunity to encourage their trading partners to reduce methane emissions.  Forging Methane Abatement Partnerships between importers and producers can advance transparency in emissions data, support strong policies, and lay the groundwork for data-driven reductions to drive down methane emissions across the oil and natural gas supply chain.'

A coalition of NGOs formed by Clean Air Task Force, Methane Matters Coalition (Environmental Investigation Agency, Deutsche Umwelthilfe, Changing Markets Foundation, European Environmental Bureau, Zero Waste Europe), Environmental Defense Fund, said: 

'Methane emissions from fossil fuels need to fall by 75% by 2030 to stay within the 1.5°C limit. The tools to cut these emissions are available, yet progress remains limited. Stakeholders across the supply chain need to prioritise methane abatement and build the necessary coordination, regulations, and financing. The Methane Abatement Partnership Roadmap establishes a critical framework for aligning ambitions between importers and exporters to jointly address systemic barriers obstructing methane abatement. While this roadmap is an essential first step, signatories must commit to decisive action. As civil society organisations, we welcome the European Commission's initiative and will judge its success by measurable results.'

Related links 

• Methane Abatement Partnership Roadmap
• Methane emissions