Climate advocacy group, Clean Air Task Force (CATF) based in the UK, has said it found some of the largest methane emissions ever since it began this campaign in Europe after visiting more than 200 sites in 12 countries.

Using a methane gas analyser to determine the presence of high concentrations of methane at some locations, the group warned some UK sites could be “super emitters”. Methane is the main component of fossil fuel and accounts for one-quarter of global warming.

The report comes as governments prepare for the COP 26 in November and the UK plays a critical role in advancing commitments to methane emissions.

CATF made visits to a total of seven National Grid gas compressor stations out of a total of twenty five (25) nationwide, finding methane emissions at six of the seven stations.

The group also found significant emissions of methane and other toxic gases from 13 of 17 onshore oil wells it visited, with at least ten of these often using highly polluting cold venting techniques.

They noted that “significant plumes” were recorded at iGas Energy Larkwhistle Farm oil well, iGas Energy Glentworth 1 oil well, iGas Energy Horndean X and iGas Energy Beckingham 1, as well as “significant venting” from the Perenco Kimmeridge Oil Well on the Jurassic Coast. The Kimmeridge site is the oldest continuously producing oil well in the UK.

Avoiding Methane Pollution to reduce global warming in next 20 years

Jonathan Banks, international director of super pollutants at CATF, noted:

“The UK has an opportunity to become a world leader in cutting methane pollution. They have helped spearhead the Global Methane Pledge at COP26 and are making the right noises on tackling the biggest low-hanging fruit in climate policy.

“But these images show that promises must be turned into action as soon as possible. True climate leadership is achieved by actions, not words.”
Jonathan Banks, international director of super pollutants, CATF

Also, James Turitto super pollutants campaign manager at CATF, averred that:

“Considering that cutting methane pollution is our best bet to avoid significant warming in the next 20 years, it’s spectacular how much natural gas is being released into the atmosphere. In the middle of a gas crisis, it shows these companies have little regard for either the cost to the climate or costs to British citizens.”
James Turitto super pollutants campaign manager , CATF

A spokeswoman for the UK Government’s Environment Agency commented: “We take the environmental risks associated with onshore oil and gas sites very seriously. Oil and gas operators must meet the highest environmental standards which are set out in law.

“Our regulatory controls are in place to protect people and the environment. If the activity poses an unacceptable risk to the environment, the activity will not be permitted.”
UK Government’s Environment Agency

Environmental permits require oil and gas operators to minimise emissions to the environment from their operations or risk some ‘harsh’ consequences. Meanwhile, audits of the sites herein mentioned have not identified any major permit non-compliance.