About this episode

The episode discusses the dual nature of methane as both a significant greenhouse gas and a valuable energy commodity, exploring market-based solutions to reduce emissions.

Methane is the second-most important greenhouse gas, after carbon dioxide. It has accounted for roughly 30% of human-induced global warming since the 19th century. But it is also a valued commodity, used to heat homes and cook food, provide raw materials for industry and keep the lights on. Every molecule leaked is energy wasted and money lost. The IEA estimates that about 200 billion cubic meters per year could be saved for productive uses by reducing leakage and flaring in the oil and gas industry. That is roughly one fifth of US supply, over a third of the global LNG trade, and nearly twice the volume exported through the Strait of Hormuz in 2025. Half of all abatement opportunities have a positive or zero net cost. The technology to cut emissions by 75% exists today. So why are methane emissions from oil and gas still so large? Host Ed Crooks is joined by TJ Conway, Principal at RMI's Climate Intelligence Program, to explore what it will take to tackle the problem. TJ walks through RMI's approach: first, better understanding where emissions are and how large they are, including the role of super emitters, sources above 100 kilograms per hour that can account for half of total…

People in this episode

Host: Ed Crooks

Guest: TJ Conway

Topics covered

• methane emissions
• climate policy
• market-based solutions
• energy efficiency
• oil and gas industry

Keywords

• methane
• greenhouse gas
• emissions reduction
• oil and gas
• market mechanisms

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: RMI, IEA

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