Sustainable Methane Emissions Management

Abstract

Methane is one of the primary and more potent Greenhouse Gas (GHG) with Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 28-36 compared to CO2. In Malaysia, the Energy Sector including Oil and Gas Industry contributes ~20% of GHG emissions out of total GHG emissions as of 2020 majorly from main sources coming from flaring, venting and combustion. Other methane sources, like fugitive emission is currently quantified by high level estimation while from other small intended sources such as compressor seals and pneumatic devices are usually not quantified and reported. Therefore, for PETRONAS to meet stakeholders’ expectations and be on par with other global peers, a comprehensive and sustainable Methane Emissions Management is required to accurately quantify and reduce methane emissions. Methane emissions was calculated based on Scope 1 emissions from gas value chain facilities. In 2020 and 2021, PETRONAS have conducted methane emissions quantification baseline study on LNG, gas processing, gas transmission plants as well as upstream facilities using process information and ground measurement data. Based on the studies, it is proven that about 70-80% methane emissions were from venting, flaring and fugitive emissions. Comprehensive methane emissions will provide a better purview on methane contributions which will facilitate further actions on reductions.