Carbon dioxide and methane emissions in the natural gas supply chain
The Sustainable Gas Institute (SGI) will be launching its first white paper: “Carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane emissions in the natural gas supply chain.” Following an overview of the report’s key findings from the lead author, Dr Paul Balcombe, a panel discussion will follow to reflect on the report and the issues raised.
The confirmed panel members are:
- Professor Dave Allen from University of Texas Austin
- Stephen Tindale of Climate Answers
- Liz Rogers, Vice President of Environment Upstream at British Petroleum (BP)
- Lisa Walker, Vice President Environment and Climate Change from BG Group
Agenda
Registration will being at 16.30 and the event is expected to start at 17.00. The event will be followed by a drinks reception. Seating is on a first come first serve basis and subject to capacity.
- Coffee and registrations (from 16:30 in 3.01D and 3.01E on the third floor of the Royal School of Mines)
- Welcome and introductions by Professor Nigel Brandon
- Summary and highlights from Dr Paul Balcombe
- Panel discussion
- Q&A
- Drinks reception
About the paper
Understanding the range of emissions associated with the natural gas supply chain is an important question when assessing the role natural gas could have in lower carbon energy systems. Although naturally lower in carbon than other fossil fuels the global warming potential of methane is far greater than CO2 and the unintended loss of methane during exploration, production and distribution can have a detrimental effect on these lower carbon credentials. This paper presents a comprehensive review of current estimates of CO2 and methane emissions in the natural gas supply chain. The paper documents the current state of knowledge of these emissions, including the magnitude and range of estimates and the factors that determine this range. Compiling a globally representative data set and determining the fullest extent to which supply chain emissions can be reduced are identified as opportunities for further research to aid better understanding of the potential role of natural gas in a low carbon energy system.