As the world’s largest fossil fuel importer, the European Union possesses both a significant responsibility and a unique opportunity to drive methane abatement measures throughout its energy supply chains. This leadership is amplified through strategic alliances with other major importing nations, sending a powerful global message and galvanizing further action on methane reduction.
Building upon the momentum of the 2023 Joint Statement on ‘Accelerating methane mitigation from the LNG value chain’ signed by key players including the European Commission, Japan, the U.S., Australia, and South Korea, Japan and the EU Commission have deepened their collaborative efforts to achieve the ambitious targets of the Global Methane Pledge. This strengthened cooperation is clearly demonstrated through their LNG importers’ initiative alliance for methane mitigation from the LNG value chain, unveiled at the LNG-Producer Consumer Conference in 2024. This initiative aims to foster alignment on crucial aspects such as data transparency, robust monitoring and reporting standards, and concrete mitigation actions within exporting countries.
MMRV Working Group: Establishing a Global Framework for Methane Measurement
The critical need for standardized and reliable methane emissions data led to the formation of the International Working Group on Measurement, Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MMRV). Announced publicly on November 15, 2023, this working group is a direct outcome of the Joint Declaration on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels adopted at COP27. The declaration underscored the paramount importance of internationally recognized MMRV frameworks.
This influential Working Group comprises members from the European Commission, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, the Republic of Korea, the UK, the U.S., and the East Mediterranean Gas Forum (as an observer). Its primary objective is to forge a consensus-driven approach to MMRV for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across the entire international natural gas supply chain, from initial pre-production stages to final delivery. This unified framework will ensure the provision of comparable and dependable data, empowering companies with the necessary tools to rapidly and effectively reduce their GHG emissions.
Leveraging existing best practices, the Working Group will enhance data accuracy and comparability by building upon established and globally recognized frameworks, most notably the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 (OGMP 2.0). Currently, OGMP 2.0 encompasses over 115 companies with assets in more than 60 countries, collectively representing over 35% of global oil and gas production and more than 70% of worldwide LNG flows.
International Methane Emission Observatory (IMEO): Data-Driven Action on Methane
Recognizing the power of data transparency, the Commission played a key role in establishing the International Methane Emission Observatory (IMEO) in 2021. This initiative is a collaborative effort with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, and the International Energy Agency.
Initial funding from the EU’s Horizon 2020 program catalyzed the observatory’s development, with subsequent contributions from the EU through the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument, and from other key partners, including the Global Methane Hub and Bezos Earth Fund.
UNEP’s IMEO is dedicated to providing actionable data to stakeholders who can directly impact emissions reduction. IMEO achieves this by collecting and disseminating data through several rigorous channels: industry reporting via the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 (OGMP 2.0), satellite monitoring via the Methane Alert and Response System (MARS), comprehensive global methane science studies, and national emissions inventories. In November 2024, IMEO launched its groundbreaking ‘An Eye on Methane‘ data platform, further enhancing access to critical methane emissions data.
At COP29, the Commission co-hosted the inaugural IMEO Ministerial, reaffirming the strong political and financial commitment of donors to data-driven solutions that accelerate methane reductions. This event underscored the global consensus on the importance of IMEO’s work. strong political and financial support
Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC): A United Front Against Short-Lived Climate Pollutants
The EU is an active participant in the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), a UNEP-led initiative focused on tackling short-lived climate pollutants, including methane and black carbon. CCAC’s work is crucial in both mitigating climate change and improving air quality on a local level. Reflecting its commitment, the Commission submitted an EU methane action plan in November 2022, aligning with other national plans within the CCAC framework. The CCAC Super Pollutant Ministerial in September 2024 adopted a communique, advocating for a ‘Now We Can’ approach to significantly increase ambition in reducing these pollutants to slow near-term warming and deliver immediate improvements in air quality for communities worldwide.
