Canada and Alberta, once leaders in reducing methane emissions, have experienced a slowdown in progress in recent years. This stagnation is attributed to oil and gas companies delaying technology upgrades while awaiting new government regulations. However, a recent agreement-in-principle between Canada and Alberta regarding methane rules and targets has the potential to reignite methane reduction efforts, although some uncertainties linger.
Under the new deal, Alberta is granted the opportunity to establish its methane regulations, provided they are as stringent as federal standards. Transparency and monitoring against agreed metrics are emphasized to ensure the effectiveness of these equivalency agreements. Additionally, Alberta must commit to third-party verification of its emissions, aiming to address discrepancies between reported and actual methane emissions.
Despite Alberta claiming a 52% reduction in methane emissions since 2014, independent studies show a more modest 35% decrease. The inclusion of third-party verification is expected to enhance measurement accuracy and evaluate the efficacy of the regulations in place.
Methane emissions primarily stem from equipment leaks at oil and gas sites, necessitating the tightening of valves and sealing of leaks. Technological advancements in methane detection, including ground cameras, aircraft sensors, and satellite radar systems, have facilitated identifying emission sources. However, experts suggest that Alberta’s regulations need updating to align with these technological advancements.
Two key areas for improvement highlighted by experts are the venting of methane gas during extraction and the use of methane-leaking pneumatic controllers and natural gas-driven pumps. Phasing out these practices and adopting more environmentally friendly alternatives is recommended to further reduce methane emissions.
The newly established target in the agreement extends Alberta’s timeline to reduce methane emissions by 75% from 2012 levels to 2035, aligning with federal objectives. While this adjustment may result in additional methane emissions, the collaboration between federal and provincial governments is seen as a positive step towards progress. Detailed methane regulations are set for public comment later this year, with finalization expected by the end of 2026.