© BMWK; data base: Federal Environment Agency
Methane emissions must fall more quickly
Viewed over a period of 100 years, the climate impact of methane (CH4) is roughly 28 times greater than that of carbon dioxide (CO2). Around one-third of global warming is thus caused by the colourless and odourless gas, which mainly escapes when natural gas is extracted or biogas is produced, but is also released during the extraction and distribution of coal and oil. So it is crucial to reduce methane emissions if we are to attain our national and European climate targets.
New EU Methane Regulation is to take effect in 2024
The EU has been addressing this central climate issue since the end of 2021 via a new Methane Regulation, which is likely to take effect next year. It is to ensure binding rules for the European energy sector, since this is where methane emissions can be cut most quickly and most cheaply. The new Methane Regulation aims to cut methane emissions from the use of gas, oil and coal in line with the European Climate Law and to make a contribution towards the Global Methane Pledge, which envisages a 30% drop in methane emissions between 2020 and 2030.
The Regulation is to oblige operators of fossil fuel energy infrastructure to regularly measure methane emissions, to repair methane leaks in pipelines and other components, and to reduce the release and flaring of gas.
Further information
- Federal Environment Agency on methane emissions in Germany (German only)
- Press release by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action: „Binding rules adopted on methane emissions for the European energy sector”
- FAQs of the European Commission on reducing methane emissions in the energy sector