Methane emissions reduction: a decarbonisation priority

Addressing methane emissions across the global energy value chain represents a critical opportunity for immediate climate impact and decarbonisation progress. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the energy sector was responsible for nearly 130 Mt of methane emissions in 2023, and further research shows that a large percentage of that total was from oil and gas assets.

Significant momentum has emerged through collaborative initiatives, including the Global Methane Pledge, new regulatory frameworks in the U.S. and EU – including Europe’s groundbreaking measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) requirements for all hydrocarbon imports – and industry-led commitments like the Oil and Gas Decarbonisation Charter. These pragmatic solutions champion an inclusive approach to emissions reduction while maintaining energy security.

However, accelerating breakthrough technologies remains essential to overcoming persistent challenges in detection accuracy, data transparency, and supply chain complexity. Cross-sector cooperation between energy companies, technology innovators, and policymakers is vital to developing robust monitoring systems and implementing effective mitigation strategies that deliver measurable, cost-efficient results.

Attendee insights:

Explore how strategic collaboration between industry and government is transforming methane management through innovative technologies and supportive policy frameworks, creating pathways to deliver energy in the most carbon-efficient way possible while ensuring continued economic growth and energy security.

Decarbonising operations across upstream, midstream and downstream

Oil and gas operations account for 15% of total energy-related Scope 1 and 2 emissions globally. To meet the IEA’s Net Zero Emissions by 2050 scenario, Scope 1 and 2 emissions must be reduced by 50% by 2030. Producers have the means to achieve this target, including reducing methane emissions, the elimination of non-emergency flaring, the clean electrification of upstream facilities and equipping oil and gas processes with CCUS technologies. However, an estimated US $600 billion in investment will be needed to deliver the 50% reduction in the timeframe required. In addition, collaboration between sectors will be critical when optimising supply chain operations, allowing for greater efficiencies and increased profitability.

Attendee insights:

Understand what is needed to decarbonise upstream, midstream and downstream operations, addressing the necessary requirements related to Scope 1 and 2 emissions and identifying the effective levers for decarbonisation.