- IEA disclosed that the energy sector maintained high methane emissions despite industry pledges.
- New satellite tech offers hope for better monitoring and transparency around methane leaks.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) disclosed that the energy sector maintained high methane emissions near record levels in 2023. This is regardless of pledges from the industry.
The IEA hoped that new satellite technologies could improve monitoring and transparency around methane leaks. Tim Gould, IEA’s Chief Energy Economist, warned that emissions from fossil fuel operations remain too high.
He was hinting at a possible turning point in 2024. Fossil fuel activities emitted over 120 million metric tonnes of methane last year, with emissions plateauing since 2019.
The report highlighted a 50% surge in large methane plumes from leaky infrastructure in 2023. Satellites detected a prolonged well blowout in Kazakhstan.
It illustrates the severity of super-emitting events. The report underscored international efforts to combat methane emissions following commitments made at the United Nations climate summit in Dubai.
Despite voluntary pledges, companies are prevalent in under-reporting emissions. The IEA hailed the potential of new methane-detecting satellites, such as MethaneSAT, to revolutionise monitoring.
Christophe McGlade, IEA’s head of energy supply, emphasised that 2024 could be a pivotal moment for action and transparency on methane.