- EU sets methane emission limits on oil and gas imports from 2030.
- Urgent cuts are needed for methane’s climate impact.
On Wednesday, the EU set methane emission limits for oil and gas imports from 2030, urging global suppliers to tackle leaks. Methane, a major climate change contributor, requires urgent cuts for immediate impact. The EU and Parliament agreed on “maximum methane intensity values” impacting major gas suppliers like the US, Algeria, and Russia.
Norway now tops Europe’s gas suppliers with low methane intensity, replacing Russia. Jutta Paulus, EU Parliament’s co-lead negotiator, praised the global impact of these ambitious measures. Methane emissions mainly come from oil and gas infrastructure leaks. The legislation awaits final approval from the European Parliament and member countries, typically a formality.
It imposes new obligations on the oil, gas, and coal sectors for monitoring and reporting methane emissions. European producers must regularly inspect and address leaks, with a ban on most flaring and venting from 2025 or 2027, depending on infrastructure type.