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.
