Methane emissions by the Energy supply target sector, 1980-2002

Methane emissions by the Energy supply target sector fell by more than 40% in the period 1980-2002.

Methane emissions down by more than 40% since 1980

Methane emissions from the production, transport and distribution of oil and gas have fallen by approximately 41% in total since 1980. There has been a 65% reduction in methane emissions during the transportation of oil and gas; this figure is 40% for gas distribution.
Methane emissions contribute most to the environmental pressure generated by the production, transport and distribution of oil and gas in the Netherlands.

Policy relating to methane emissions

In its Integrated Environmental Target, the oil and gas industry has promised to achieve a 10% reduction in methane emissions in the year 2000 compared to 1990 levels (EZ, 1995). This objective has been met.
The cost-effective measures during gas production such as process optimisation and recovery are being implemented in accordance with the special regulations 'Installaties ten behoeve van de aardgas- en aardoliewinning' (Installations for natural gas and oil production) included in the Dutch Emission Guidelines (Infomil, 2000). Measures for reducing methane emissions during the production of oil and gas mainly target the limitation of the amount of gas blown off during gas production.

References

• EZ (1995). Intentieverklaring uitvoering milieubeleid olie- en gaswinningsindustrie, Ministry of Economic Affairs, The Hague.
• Infomil (2000). 'Bijzondere regeling voor Installaties ten behoeve van de aardgas- en aardoliewinning'. Nederlandse Emissierichtlijn lucht. Infomil, The Hague.

Relevant sections and indicators in the Environmental Data Compendium

• Supply and consumption of energy carriers in the Netherlands, 2002
• Emissions to air by the Energy supply target sector in the Netherlands, 1990-2002*
• Emissions to air by target sector, 2002*
• Waste generation by mining and quarrying and electricity plants in the Netherlands: generation and processing, 1994-2002
• Guide to Environmental theme of Climate change (greenhouse effect)

Relevant information outside of the Environmental Data Compendium

• More information and data about oil and gas production in the Netherlands can be found on the TNO-NITG website (the Dutch Institute for Applied Geosciences) and on the website of the National Mines Inspectorate.
• Recent emission data can be viewed in detail on the Data Warehouse of the 'Emissieregistratie'. This site also provides information about the methods for determining emission data and information about changes to methodology.
• More information about the Dutch Emissions Guideline can be obtained from Infomil.