Brussels takes aim at methane emissions
Methane emissions in the European energy sector have fallen significantly over recent decades, and the EC’s legislative proposal aims to reduce them further ANDREAS WALSTAD, JOSEPH MURPHY
T
he European Commission (EC) is
soon set to change, however. The EC aims to present
preparing a new legislative proposal
its proposal by the end of the year, likely before the
to further curb methane emissions in
UN climate summit in Glasgow in November. The
the energy sector, after publishing its landmark
final details are being drafted, after closing a public
methane strategy last year.
consultation on May 1 that generated responses
The EU currently has no dedicated policy
67
from many of the leading players in Europe’s gas
framework for addressing these emissions, despite
industry. Final adoption by the European Parliament
recognising methane as second only to carbon
and the Council of Europe is expected to take place
dioxide in its contribution to climate change. That is
next year.
G L O B A L VO I C E O F G A S
JUNE 2021
