Gas flaring in North Dakota. The IEA says methane emissions from the energy sector can be reduced by 75 per cent using existing technology. AP
Gas flaring in North Dakota. The IEA says methane emissions from the energy sector can be reduced by 75 per cent using existing technology. AP
Gas flaring in North Dakota. The IEA says methane emissions from the energy sector can be reduced by 75 per cent using existing technology. AP
Gas flaring in North Dakota. The IEA says methane emissions from the energy sector can be reduced by 75 per cent using existing technology. AP

Climate

Road to Net Zero

Energy industry’s methane emissions surge to near record despite supply concerns, IEA says

The sector accounts for about 40% of the total discharge attributable to human activity

John Benny

February 21, 2023

  • English
  • Arabic

The global energy industry’s methane emissions surged to 135 million tonnes last year, slightly below 2019’s record highs, the International Energy Agency has said.

Despite high energy prices, worries about security of supply and economic uncertainty, there was no reduction in methane emissions observed in 2022, the agency said in a report on Tuesday.

“Some progress is being made but emissions are still far too high and not falling fast enough — especially as methane cuts are among the cheapest options to limit near-term global warming. There is just no excuse,” said IEA executive director Fatih Birol.

Methane is responsible for about a third of global temperature increases since the Industrial Revolution. It dissipates faster than carbon dioxide but is a much more powerful greenhouse gas during its short lifespan.

The energy sector accounts for about 40 per cent of total methane emissions attributable to human activity, second only to agriculture.

Coal power plants are a major source of methane emissions. AP
Coal power plants are a major source of methane emissions. AP
Livestock accounts for about one third of methane emissions, the International Methane Emissions Observatory reported. AFP
Livestock accounts for about one third of methane emissions, the International Methane Emissions Observatory reported. AFP
A Qatari tanker ship is being loaded up with LNG, made up mainly of methane. The state-owned oil and gas company Qatar Energy said it is joining a new industry-led initiative to reduce nearly all methane emissions from operations by 2030. AP
A Qatari tanker ship is being loaded up with LNG, made up mainly of methane. The state-owned oil and gas company Qatar Energy said it is joining a new industry-led initiative to reduce nearly all methane emissions from operations by 2030. AP
An oilfield near McKittrick, California. The state has 35,000 oil and gas wells sitting idle, many of which are unplugged and could leak methane gas. AFP
An oilfield near McKittrick, California. The state has 35,000 oil and gas wells sitting idle, many of which are unplugged and could leak methane gas. AFP
Wind turbines turn on top of a dump next to the BP Refinery Scholven in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. Spiralling energy costs caused by various economic factors and the Ukraine war could be a turning point towards cleaner energy, the International Energy Agency says. AP
Wind turbines turn on top of a dump next to the BP Refinery Scholven in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. Spiralling energy costs caused by various economic factors and the Ukraine war could be a turning point towards cleaner energy, the International Energy Agency says. AP
Waste and landfill sites account for more than 20 per cent of methane emissions. AFP
Waste and landfill sites account for more than 20 per cent of methane emissions. AFP
Globally, agriculture is the largest source of human-caused methane emissions. Bloomberg
Globally, agriculture is the largest source of human-caused methane emissions. Bloomberg

Methane emissions from oil and gas alone could be reduced by 75 per cent with existing technology, highlighting a “lack of industry action on an issue that is often very cheap to address”, the agency said.

Less than 3 per cent of the income made by oil and gas companies globally last year would be required to make the $100 billion investment in technology needed to achieve this reduction, it added.

Last year, the largest recorded emission of methane occurred due to leaks in the Nord Stream pipelines, which transported natural gas from Russia to Europe.

“The Nord Stream pipeline explosion last year released a huge amount of methane into the atmosphere,” said Dr Birol.

“But normal oil and gas operations around the world release the same amount of methane as the Nord Stream explosion every single day.”

Ceasing all non-emergency flaring and venting of methane is the most effective measure to rein in emissions, the agency said.

Out of the 260 billion cubic metres of methane lost to the atmosphere each year, three quarters could be retained and brought to market using “tried and tested” policies and technology, it said.

“The captured methane would amount to more than the European Union’s total annual gas imports from Russia prior to the invasion of Ukraine.”

The agency said that satellites detected more than 500 “super-emitting” events from oil and gas operations last year.

Entities such as fossil fuel plants, waste or agriculture-related equipment and other infrastructure that discharge methane at exceptionally high rates are known as super-emitters.

“The untamed release of methane in fossil fuel production is a problem that sometimes goes under the radar in public debate,” said Mr Birol.

“Unfortunately, it is not a new issue and emissions remain stubbornly high. Many companies saw hefty profits last year following a turbulent period for international oil and gas markets amid the global energy crisis.

“Fossil fuel producers need to step up and policymakers need to step in — and both must do so quickly.”

In November, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) said methane concentrations in the atmosphere were continuing to rise.

Efforts by the fossil fuel sector offer, “by far, the greatest potential to achieve rapid methane emissions reductions”, said the report, which was released by UNEP’s International Methane Emissions Observatory said.

Currently, only a fraction of companies is providing methane emissions estimates that are based on actual measurements, it said.

A pipeline that takes methane gas from the Frank R. Bowerman landfill to an onsite power plant in Irvine, California. Reuters
A pipeline that takes methane gas from the Frank R. Bowerman landfill to an onsite power plant in Irvine, California. Reuters
A satellite image shows a methane plume three kilometres long detected south-east of Carlsbad, New Mexico. Nasa scientists, using a tool designed to study how dust affects climate, have identified more than 50 sites around the world emitting high levels of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, the US space agency said. AFP
A satellite image shows a methane plume three kilometres long detected south-east of Carlsbad, New Mexico. Nasa scientists, using a tool designed to study how dust affects climate, have identified more than 50 sites around the world emitting high levels of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, the US space agency said. AFP
An oil drilling rig in the Permian Basin oilfield in Midland, Texas. US President Joe Biden imposed a ban on Russian oil, which may mean that oil producers in the Permian Basin will need to pump more oil to meet demand. The Permian Basin is the largest petroleum-producing basin in the United States. AFP
An oil drilling rig in the Permian Basin oilfield in Midland, Texas. US President Joe Biden imposed a ban on Russian oil, which may mean that oil producers in the Permian Basin will need to pump more oil to meet demand. The Permian Basin is the largest petroleum-producing basin in the United States. AFP
This satellite image from Nasa shows a 4.8km methane plume coming from a major landfill, where methane is a byproduct of decomposition, south of Tehran, Iran. AFP
This satellite image from Nasa shows a 4.8km methane plume coming from a major landfill, where methane is a byproduct of decomposition, south of Tehran, Iran. AFP
Workers on an oil rig in the Permian Basin oilfield in Stanton, Texas. AFP
Workers on an oil rig in the Permian Basin oilfield in Stanton, Texas. AFP
This satellite image shows 12 methane plumes streaming westward for more than 32 kilometres east of Hazar, Turkmenistan. Nasa
This satellite image shows 12 methane plumes streaming westward for more than 32 kilometres east of Hazar, Turkmenistan. Nasa
Turkmenistan's President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov at the opening of the East-West pipeline at the Belek compressor station, about 500 kilometres from Ashgabat. On December 23 Turkmenistan completed a $2.5 billion gas pipeline connecting its eastern gas fields to the Caspian Sea, potentially expanding Europe's energy security options. AFP
Turkmenistan's President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov at the opening of the East-West pipeline at the Belek compressor station, about 500 kilometres from Ashgabat. On December 23 Turkmenistan completed a $2.5 billion gas pipeline connecting its eastern gas fields to the Caspian Sea, potentially expanding Europe's energy security options. AFP
A lorry unloads rubbish at the South Kent landfill in Byron Township, Michigan. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released a study calculating that levels of the heat-trapping gas methane rose at a record pace in 2021. AP Photo
A lorry unloads rubbish at the South Kent landfill in Byron Township, Michigan. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released a study calculating that levels of the heat-trapping gas methane rose at a record pace in 2021. AP Photo
Delhi fire officials take a break while fighting a fire at the Bhalswa landfill in New Delhi. Every day more than 2,300 tonnes of waste are dumped at the landfill without being segregated, resulting in the build-up of combustible methane gas. AP Photo
Delhi fire officials take a break while fighting a fire at the Bhalswa landfill in New Delhi. Every day more than 2,300 tonnes of waste are dumped at the landfill without being segregated, resulting in the build-up of combustible methane gas. AP Photo
The Norte III biogas plant, which removes methane from waste at the landfill, outside Buenos Aires, Argentina. Norte III recently activated a new power station that runs on methane gas piped from under the landfill to generate electricity. Bloomberg
The Norte III biogas plant, which removes methane from waste at the landfill, outside Buenos Aires, Argentina. Norte III recently activated a new power station that runs on methane gas piped from under the landfill to generate electricity. Bloomberg

War

Director: Siddharth Anand

Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Tiger Shroff, Ashutosh Rana, Vaani Kapoor

Rating: Two out of five stars 

What is Reform?

Reform is a right-wing, populist party led by Nigel Farage, a former MEP who won a seat in the House of Commons last year at his eighth attempt and a prominent figure in the campaign for the UK to leave the European Union.

It was founded in 2018 and originally called the Brexit Party.

Many of its members previously belonged to UKIP or the mainstream Conservatives.

After Brexit took place, the party focused on the reformation of British democracy.

Former Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson became its first MP after defecting in March 2024.

The party gained support from Elon Musk, and had hoped the tech billionaire would make a £100m donation. However, Mr Musk changed his mind and called for Mr Farage to step down as leader in a row involving the US tycoon's support for far-right figurehead Tommy Robinson who is in prison for contempt of court.

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

On Women's Day
Pharaoh's curse

British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.

World record transfers

1. Kylian Mbappe - to Real Madrid in 2017/18 - €180 million (Dh770.4m - if a deal goes through)
2. Paul Pogba - to Manchester United in 2016/17 - €105m
3. Gareth Bale - to Real Madrid in 2013/14 - €101m
4. Cristiano Ronaldo - to Real Madrid in 2009/10 - €94m
5. Gonzalo Higuain - to Juventus in 2016/17 - €90m
6. Neymar - to Barcelona in 2013/14 - €88.2m
7. Romelu Lukaku - to Manchester United in 2017/18 - €84.7m
8. Luis Suarez - to Barcelona in 2014/15 - €81.72m
9. Angel di Maria - to Manchester United in 2014/15 - €75m
10. James Rodriguez - to Real Madrid in 2014/15 - €75m

The specs

Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel

Power: 579hp

Torque: 859Nm

Transmission: Single-speed automatic

Price: From Dh825,900

On sale: Now

Inside%20Out%202
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%C2%A0%3C%2Fstrong%3EKelsey%20Mann%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%C2%A0Amy%20Poehler%2C%20Maya%20Hawke%2C%20Ayo%20Edebiri%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E4.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
UAE currency
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
E-cigarettes report
Profile

Company: Libra Project

Based: Masdar City, ADGM, London and Delaware

Launch year: 2017

Size: A team of 12 with six employed full-time

Sector: Renewable energy

Funding: $500,000 in Series A funding from family and friends in 2018. A Series B round looking to raise $1.5m is now live.

COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3ECompany%20name%3A%20Znap%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStarted%3A%202017%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EFounder%3A%20Uday%20Rathod%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EBased%3A%20Dubai%2C%20UAE%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EIndustry%3A%20FinTech%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EFunding%20size%3A%20%241m%2B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EInvestors%3A%20Family%2C%20friends%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Company%20Profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Cargoz%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EDate%20started%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20January%202022%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Premlal%20Pullisserry%20and%20Lijo%20Antony%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2030%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Seed%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
In-demand jobs and monthly salaries
  • Technology expert in robotics and automation: Dh20,000 to Dh40,000 
  • Energy engineer: Dh25,000 to Dh30,000 
  • Production engineer: Dh30,000 to Dh40,000 
  • Data-driven supply chain management professional: Dh30,000 to Dh50,000 
  • HR leader: Dh40,000 to Dh60,000 
  • Engineering leader: Dh30,000 to Dh55,000 
  • Project manager: Dh55,000 to Dh65,000 
  • Senior reservoir engineer: Dh40,000 to Dh55,000 
  • Senior drilling engineer: Dh38,000 to Dh46,000 
  • Senior process engineer: Dh28,000 to Dh38,000 
  • Senior maintenance engineer: Dh22,000 to Dh34,000 
  • Field engineer: Dh6,500 to Dh7,500
  • Field supervisor: Dh9,000 to Dh12,000
  • Field operator: Dh5,000 to Dh7,000
The%20Last%20White%20Man
%3Cp%3EAuthor%3A%20Mohsin%20Hamid%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E192%20pages%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EPublished%20by%3A%20Hamish%20Hamilton%20(UK)%2C%20Riverhead%20Books%20(US)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERelease%20date%3A%20out%20now%20in%20the%20US%2C%20August%2011%20(UK)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
SPECS
%3Cp%3EEngine%3A%20Twin-turbocharged%204-litre%20V8%3Cbr%3EPower%3A%20625%20bhp%3Cbr%3ETorque%3A%20630Nm%3Cbr%3EOn%20sale%3A%20Now%3Cbr%3EPrice%3A%20From%20Dh974%2C011%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
About Krews

Founder: Ahmed Al Qubaisi

Based: Abu Dhabi

Founded: January 2019

Number of employees: 10

Sector: Technology/Social media 

Funding to date: Estimated $300,000 from Hub71 in-kind support

 

The specs: Fenyr SuperSport

Price, base: Dh5.1 million

Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six

Transmission: Seven-speed automatic

Power: 800hp @ 7,100pm

Torque: 980Nm @ 4,000rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 13.5L / 100km

'Outclassed in Kuwait'
Taleb Alrefai, 
HBKU Press 

Soldier F

“I was in complete disgust at the fact that only one person was to be charged for Bloody Sunday.

“Somebody later said to me, 'you just watch - they'll drop the charge against him'. And sure enough, the charges against Soldier F would go on to be dropped.

“It's pretty hard to think that 50 years on, the State is still covering up for what happened on Bloody Sunday.”

Jimmy Duddy, nephew of John Johnson

The specs

Engine: 3-litre twin-turbo V6

Power: 400hp

Torque: 475Nm

Transmission: 9-speed automatic

Price: From Dh215,900

On sale: Now

Updated: February 21, 2023, 6:00 AM`
Energy