UNEP launches new study on methane emissions from offshore wells in Africa

03 / 04 / 2023

By Marwa Nassar - -

The United Nations Environment Program’s (UNEP) International Methane Emissions Observatory launched a new study that charts how much methane is spilling from wells off the coast of Angola and Gabon.

The move was triggered by dearth of data on methane emissions from Africa’s offshore oil and gas sector.

After finalizing the study, Gabon and Angola will have to take certain measures to cut methane emissions.

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential more than 80 times greater than that of carbon dioxide during the 20 years after it is released into the atmosphere. And the oil and gas industry is a major emitter.

Methane can be released at various stages of production, including during exploration, extraction, transportation and storage. It can also leak from equipment such as valves, pumps, and pipelines during the transportation and storage of natural gas.

Reducing methane emissions is one of the most effective steps the energy sector can take to help tackle the climate crisis. The Paris Agreement cannot be achieved without reducing methane emissions by 40-45 per cent by 2030.

Measuring methane with precision is considered key to reaching those targets. This is why in 2021, UNEP launched the International Methane Emissions Observatory.