Scientific (ad hoc) analyzes on the implementation of the EU regulation to reduce methane emissions in the energy sector Scientific (ad hoc) analyzes on the implementation of the EU regulation to reduce methane emissions in the energy sector

Scientific (ad hoc) analyzes on the implementation of the EU regulation to reduce methane emissions in the energy sector Scientific (ad hoc) analyzes on the implementation of the EU regulation to reduce methane emissions in the energy sector
In August 2024, the Methane Regulation came into force, which regulates methane emissions from fossil resources (gas, oil, thermal and metallurgical coal). It is part of the Fit for 55 climate package of the European Green Deal. According to the regulation, within the EU, operators of (active and inactive) production sites for fossil energy sources (natural gas, oil, coal), companies in the area of ​​natural gas infrastructure (long-distance pipelines, distribution networks, storage, LNG plants), methane sources (including from disused coal mines, transport infrastructure and boreholes) must report and measure emissions (methane reporting), monitor and fix leaks. Inventories of all inactive boreholes (Art. 18 VO) and coal mines (Art. 25 VO) must also be drawn up and emission reduction plans must be submitted. Routine blowing and flaring will be prohibited. The measurement and reporting regulations for the oil and gas industry will build until a binding regulation is passed. Industry standards based on the Oil & Gas Methane Partnership (OGMP) 2.0 standard of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). An important part of the Methane Regulation is the regulation of imports of fossil fuels. Since 2025, importers have been required to report annually on production conditions in third countries to nat. authorities; From January 1, 2027, there will be an obligation to provide evidence that equivalent monitoring, reporting and testing measures (monitoring of emissions, reporting, verification, so-called MRV) apply to new contracts at producer level (MRV equivalence requirement). From 2028, importers will have to report methane intensities. Finally, for contracts concluded from August 2030 onwards, oil, gas and coal imports must comply with a maximum value for methane emissions during production to be set by the EU Commission (COM). Although the Methane Regulation has been directly applicable in all EU member states since it came into force, numerous measures are necessary for its implementation. According to Article 33, the member states must set sanctions to punish violations of the regulation (notification to COM by August 5, 2025). This will – among other things together with the regulation of national responsibilities. Authorities – to be set out in an implementing law. In the current first phase of implementation, numerous economic, legal and technical issues are being addressed. questions to clarify. Due to the high potential climate protection effect of the Methane Regulation, BMUKN - like the EU Commission - sees a need for action to implement it effectively and to outline pragmatic and low-bureaucratic solutions. There is a need for research and advice in implementation in some areas of action of the Methane Regulation: • Methods and procedures for proof of origin for fossil energy sources imported into the EU (natural gas, petroleum, coal), in particular the implementation of so-called trace-and-claim and book-and-claim systems (especially taking into account the special challenges for imports from the USA) • Legal. Questions, e.g. B. Reservation of energy supply security; Distribution of enforcement responsibilities, integration of the Methane Regulation reporting regime into the technical system. Self-management of the gas distribution and transmission infrastructure, frequency and scope of inspections in accordance with Article 6 of the Methane Regulation • Calculation of the GHG emissions impact of the regulation as well as of individual regulatory components • Calculation of avoidance costs on the state (including public companies) and private sector side • Advice on maximum methane intensity values • Analyzes of oil and gas markets, especially supply security aspects • Evaluation of proposals from the European Commission (COM) (including further development of the VO), in particular drafts of tertiary legal acts, COM recommendations, COM guidelines (COM initiatives). In addition to the scientific and technical work to be carried out independently. Evaluations of current developments are intended to address political issues scientifically in the short term. be flanked.