New European regulations to reduce methane emissions

The European Union today adopted its first rules to reduce methane emissions in the energy sector, marking a key step in the implementation of the European Green Deal and REPowerEU.

Share:

Réduction Émissions Méthane

Gain full professional access to energynews.pro from 4.90$/month.
Designed for decision-makers, with no long-term commitment.

Over 30,000 articles published since 2021.
150 new market analyses every week to decode global energy trends.

Monthly Digital PRO PASS

Immediate Access
4.90$/month*

No commitment – cancel anytime, activation in 2 minutes.

*Special launch offer: 1st month at the indicated price, then 14.90 $/month, no long-term commitment.

Annual Digital PRO Pass

Full Annual Access
99$/year*

To access all of energynews.pro without any limits

*Introductory annual price for year one, automatically renewed at 149.00 $/year from the second year.

New European regulations require the fossil gas, oil and coal industries to measure, monitor, report and verify their methane emissions to the strictest monitoring standards. Operators must stop avoidable and routine flaring and reduce flaring and venting to situations of emergency, technical malfunction or necessary safety. This regulation will also help reduce methane emissions from imported fossil fuels. By progressively imposing stricter requirements, exporters will have to apply the same monitoring, reporting and verification obligations as EU (European Union) operators. The European Commission will set up a monitoring tool based on satellite data to provide information on sources of high methane emissions, both inside and outside the EU.

Monitoring and early warning mechanisms

An early warning mechanism will also be set up to detect so-called “super-emitters”, incidents where facilities emit very high levels of methane. This mechanism will act as an early warning system to detect such events and alert EU or non-EU countries to take action to stop or prevent them. The regulations aim to increase transparency and provide the tools needed to reduce these potentially harmful emissions. EU Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson welcomed the final adoption of the regulation, stating that methane is the second biggest contributor to global warming and air pollution after CO2, accounting for around a third of greenhouse gas emissions.

“With the final adoption of the methane regulation, we now have the means to obtain a better understanding of the main sources of methane emissions in the energy sector. This will increase transparency and provide the necessary tools to reduce these potentially harmful emissions, both in the EU and on a global scale”, she added.

Global impact and future challenges

This new European regulation has global implications, influencing not only the practices of operators within the EU, but also those of exporters of fossil fuels to Europe. By imposing strict standards for monitoring and reducing emissions, the EU hopes to bring about a global change in the management of methane emissions, thereby contributing to the fight against climate change. There are still many challenges ahead, particularly as regards exporters’ implementation of the new requirements and the management of super-emitters. Exporting countries will have to adapt to the new EU standards, which could entail significant additional costs and operational adjustments. Nevertheless, these measures are crucial to reducing the environmental impact of methane emissions and protecting public health.

Future prospects and commitments

The EU continues to demonstrate its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting the environment. The adoption of these methane regulations is an important step towards achieving the EU’s climate objectives, in particular those set out in the European Green Deal. By working with international partners, the EU also hopes to promote more sustainable practices in the global energy sector.
As the implementation of these regulations progresses, the EU will closely monitor their impact and adjust strategies where necessary to ensure the effectiveness of the measures taken. International cooperation will be essential if we are to succeed in reducing methane emissions on a global scale.

Five energy infrastructure projects have been added to the list of cross-border renewable projects, making them eligible for financial support under the CEF Energy programme.
The Tanzanian government launches a national consultation to accelerate the rollout of compressed natural gas, mobilising public and private financing to secure energy supply and lower fuel costs.
The Kuwaiti government has invited three international consortia to submit bids for the first phase of the Al Khairan project, combining power generation and desalination.
Nigeria’s state-owned oil company abandons plans to sell the Port Harcourt refinery and confirms a maintenance programme despite high operating costs.
The publication of the Multiannual Energy Programme decree, awaited for two years, is compromised by internal political tensions, jeopardising strategic investments in nuclear and renewables.
The US Energy Information Administration reschedules or cancels several publications, affecting the availability of critical data for oil, gas and renewables markets.
Brazilian authorities have launched a large-scale operation targeting a money laundering system linked to the fuel sector, involving investment funds, fintechs, and more than 1,000 service stations across the country.
A national study by the Davies Group reveals widespread American support for the simultaneous development of both renewable and fossil energy sources, with strong approval for natural gas and solar energy.
The South Korean government compels ten petrochemical groups to cut up to 3.7 million tons of naphtha cracking per year, tying financial and tax support to swift and documented restructuring measures.
The U.S. Department of Energy has extended until November the emergency measures aimed at ensuring the stability of Puerto Rico’s power grid against overload risks and recurring outages.
Under threat of increased U.S. tariffs, New Delhi is accelerating its energy independence strategy to reduce reliance on imports, particularly Russian oil.
With a new $800 million investment agreement, Tsingshan expands the Manhize steel plant and generates an energy demand of more than 500 MW, forcing Zimbabwe to accelerate its electricity strategy.
U.S. electric storage capacity will surge 68% this year according to Cleanview, largely offsetting the slowdown in solar and wind projects under the Trump administration.
A nationwide blackout left Iraq without electricity for several hours, affecting almost the entire country due to record consumption linked to an extreme heatwave.
Washington launches antidumping procedures against three Asian countries. Margins up to 190% identified. Final decisions expected April 2026 with major supply chain impacts.
Revenues generated by oil and gas in Russia recorded a significant decrease in July, putting direct pressure on the country’s budget balance according to official figures.
U.S. electricity consumption reached unprecedented levels in the last week of July, driven by a heatwave and the growth of industrial activity.
The New York Power Authority targets nearly 7GW of capacity with a plan featuring 20 renewable projects and 156 storage initiatives, marking a new phase for public investment in the State.
French Guiana plans to achieve a fully decarbonised power mix by 2027, driven by the construction of a biomass plant and expansion of renewable energy on its territory.
The progress of national targets for renewable energy remains marginal, with only a 2% increase since COP28, threatening the achievement of the tripling of capacity by 2030 and impacting energy security.

Log in to read this article

You'll also have access to a selection of our best content.

or

Go unlimited with our annual offer: $99 for the 1styear year, then $ 199/year.