Strategies for Reducing & Monetizing Fugitive Methane Emissions from Natural Gas Infrastructure

Abstract

Abstract Energy-intensive sectors like oil & gas and process industry are under intense pressure to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, most notably methane, which has 28-34 times the global warming potential (GWP) of CO2. Though once generally accepted as a normal part of operation, fugitive methane emissions have come under significant scrutiny in recent years. Efforts to mitigate fugitive emissions are now a key requirement for future-oriented and optimized energy systems. Today, there are a wide range of technologies that operators can leverage to address fugitive methane emissions from their activities. Generally, these can be broken down into four distinct categories: Solutions for continuous monitoring & detection – Covers technologies that can be employed to detect and measure fugitive emissions, including those that are unplanned (i.e., leaks).Solutions for emissions capture and reuse – Covers technologies that can be used to capture fugitive methane emissions that are a byproduct of normal operation (i.e., leakage across compressor seals). The methane can then potentially be monetized through reinjection into the process stream or utilized in onsite gas turbines or boilers for power and/or heat generation.Solutions for emissions reduction – Covers solutions for reducing leak rates of equipment, particularly across sealsSolutions for emissions prevention – Covers technologies that can be deployed proactively to prevent fugitive methane emissions releases that occur as a result of venting, blowdown, and maintenance. This paper describes several solutions across these categories which are well-proven/established. The paper will also discuss recent global initiatives to curb fugitive methane emissions and how these initiatives may impact the regulatory framework as the Energy Transition progresses.