Monitoring methane emissions is a growing priority for oil and gas operators, driven by new regulations, evolving global standards, and the economic and environmental benefits of leak prevention. As the regulatory landscape changes, companies are turning to a range of technologies and strategies to better detect, quantify, and manage methane emissions across their operations.
Regulatory Drivers in the U.S. and Abroad
In the United States, the EPA’s New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) OOOOb now require routine methane emissions monitoring for new, modified, and reconstructed oil and gas facilities. These rules emphasize leak detection and repair (LDAR), along with other best practices for reducing methane emissions.
Globally, the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership (OGMP) 2.0 has established a voluntary but rigorous framework for methane emissions management. Participating companies commit to enhanced monitoring, measurement-based reporting, and transparent disclosures. The European Union’s 2024 methane regulations align closely with OGMP 2.0, requiring member states to adopt similar monitoring programs.
Why Methane Monitoring Matters
A well-designed methane monitoring program offers multiple benefits:
- Cost-Effective Emissions Reduction: According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), many methane abatement technologies, particularly LDAR, have a “negative cost,” meaning they generate savings by capturing saleable product that would otherwise be lost.
- Improved Air Quality: Reducing methane also cuts emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hazardous air pollutants, helping to limit the formation of ground-level ozone and reduce exposure to toxic compounds.
- Operational Efficiency: Capturing fugitive methane emissions improves overall system efficiency by keeping more product “in the pipe.”
Applications Beyond Upstream Oil and Gas
While methane regulations currently focus on production activities, monitoring concepts and technologies are applicable across many sectors, including:
- Natural gas transmission and distribution
- Petroleum refining and petrochemical manufacturing
- Solid waste landfills
- Wastewater treatment facilities
Each of these sectors presents unique emission profiles and monitoring challenges that benefit from a tailored approach.
Tools and Techniques for Methane Detection
A wide array of technologies are available to support methane detection, quantification, and management. These range from low-cost methods, such as soap bubble tests for small leaks, to advanced tools like satellite-based remote sensing and aerial imaging, which can detect and quantify emissions from large or inaccessible sites.
Selecting the right technology depends on several factors, including:
- Type and size of emission sources
- Site accessibility and geographic distribution
- Terrain, weather, and climate conditions
- Security concerns and data needs
- Regulatory compliance requirements
- Available budget and staffing resources
To explore the full range of available technologies, the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative’s Methane Technology Catalogue provides a detailed overview of tools, capabilities, and use cases.
How EDGE Can Assist
EDGE Engineering & Science has extensive experience working with operators, agencies, and industrial groups to develop and implement emissions monitoring programs for methane and other air pollutants. Our team supports clients through every stage of program design, from regulatory analysis to technology selection and field deployment.