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EU Methane Strategy

Energy

Methane is the second most relevant greenhouse gas, following carbon dioxide. Methane is also the second largest contributor to ground-level ozone and a significant air pollutant. The main sources of manmade methane emissions in Europe are agriculture, production, transport and use of fossil fuels, as well as waste treatment and disposal. Reducing methane emissions is therefore important in order to slow global warming and to reduce pollution.

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Public consultation

ID: 12504

Lobbying Activity

60 responses

Environmental groups demand immediate binding methane cuts from agriculture

European Environmental Bureau, 4 Aug 2020

The EEB demands immediate binding regulations to reduce agricultural methane emissions, targeting large livestock farms as 'super-emitters'. They call for ending CAP subsidies for intensive livestock and supporting transition to extensive, agroecological farming with reduced meat and dairy consumption.
This would advance their climate and air quality objectives while reducing health impacts from pollution.
Intensive livestock farmers lose CAP subsidies and face new compliance costs from mandatory emissions reductions.

Consultation response

Climate Action Network Europe, 30 Jul 2020

ADDRESSING METHANE FROM THE ENERGY AND PETROCHEMICAL SECTORS The Commission should propose a package of policies that will immediately begin to cut methane emissions from the energy and petrochemical sectors across the supply chain, headlined by: ▪a phase-out of fossil gas by 2035 pursuant to…

Consultation response

European farmers, 5 Aug 2020

Copa and Cogeca represent 22 million farmers and their family members as well as 22,000 cooperatives that are dedicated to providing 446 million EU citizens with safe, nutritious, high-quality and affordable food every day. Farmers, forest owners and their cooperatives are committed to the Paris…

European agri-cooperatives urge focus on fossil fuel methane cuts

European agri-cooperatives, 5 Aug 2020

The strategy should prioritize reducing emissions from fossil fuels over agricultural processes. Methane accounting must recognize carbon removals by biomass and use updated models. Monitoring systems should be simple to avoid placing extra costs on farmers.
It avoids regulatory costs for farmers while creating new income from biogas.
Fossil fuel companies would bear the primary burden for methane emission reductions.

Consultation response

ENEL SpA, 5 Aug 2020

Enel welcomes the upcoming Commission communication on an EU Methane Strategy, as methane is a relevant contributor to GHG emissions. Methane emissions contribute with a relevant share (approx. 15%) to global GHG emissions, being second in relevance after CO2 emissions. Methane losses in natural…

Shell Urges EU Methane Standards for All Gas Suppliers by 2025

Shell Companies, 28 Jul 2020

Shell requests the EU apply a performance standard from 2025 targeting methane intensity no higher than 0.20% and a procurement standard for low methane intensity gas. They emphasize policies must address the full natural gas supply chain, including imports from international suppliers.
This would level the playing field by imposing the same standards on competing international suppliers.
International gas exporters face new compliance costs and potential market access barriers.

Consultation response

Eni S.p.A., 5 Aug 2020

Eni welcomes the opportunity to comment on the European Commission’s Methane Strategy Roadmap. Please find attached our response.

Consultation response

Wirtschaftskammer Österreich, 5 Aug 2020

Please find our feedback in the document attached.

ENGIE pushes for binding renewable gas targets and green labels

ENGIE, 5 Aug 2020

ENGIE proposes binding renewable gas targets and renaming the strategy to focus on emissions. They also advocate for including methane reduction costs within the scope of regulated activity.
This allows the company to recover costs through regulated tariffs and access EU subsidies.
Consumers might pay more as methane reduction costs are integrated into regulated tariffs.

Consultation response

BDEW Bundesverband der Energie- und Wasserwirtschaft e. V., 5 Aug 2020

Der BDEW unterstützt die klimapolitischen Ziele der Europäischen Union (EU), insbesondere die EU-Klimaneutralität bis 2050. Der BDEW betont, dass die Ziele nur erreicht werden können, wenn die erforderlichen Rahmenbedingungen geschaffen werden sowie Sozialverträglichkeit, Wettbewerbsfähigkeit und…

Consultation response

International Association of Oil Gas Producers Europe, 28 Jul 2020

The European upstream oil and gas industry shares the world’s ambition to reach climate goals in the framework of the Paris Agreement and supports the EU climate neutrality objective by 2050. There are many challenges on the road to meet this objective. The energy transition will require…

Eurogas urges cost recovery for industry methane reduction efforts

EUROGAS, 5 Aug 2020

Eurogas advocates for biogas production to capture agricultural emissions and wants a stakeholder working group. They argue national regulators must allow companies to recover costs for methane reduction.
This ensures gas companies receive financial compensation for their mandatory emission reduction efforts.
Energy consumers may face higher bills as companies pass through their compliance costs.

Consultation response

EnBW Energie Baden-Württemberg AG, 31 Jul 2020

EnBW Energie Baden-Württemberg AG shares the vision of a climate-neutral energy system and supports the goal of EU climate-neutrality by 2050. While methane emissions occur internationally along the entire value chain, EnBW and its subsidiaries operate in gas mid- and downstream in Germany. EnBW…

Consultation response

Landbrug Fødevarer - Danish Agriculture and Food Council, 20 Jul 2020

The Danish Agriculture & Food Council has a vision on a climate neutral Danish food industry by 2050. As a consequence, the sector must reduce methane emissions. EU must reduce its methane emissions as well; however, we do agree with the Commission, that it is not possible to eliminate the methane…

Consultation response

Zero Waste Europe, 24 Jul 2020

Zero Waste Europe would like to thank the Commission for the opportunity to comment on the EU methane strategy roadmap. We strongly recommend aligning measures in the waste sector with the requirement for separate collection of biowastes in the EU, mandatory latest by Jan 2024. There is a huge…

BP Urges EU Flexible Methane Standards with Industry Measurement Focus

BP p.l.c., 5 Aug 2020

BP requests the EU develop monitoring standards led by industry measurement approaches, allow flexible compliance pathways recognizing supply chains outside EU, and provide tax benefits and technology incentives for reductions. They emphasize working practice standards over strict data requirements initially.
This would allow BP to shape measurement standards and avoid strict requirements for supply chains they don't fully control.
Environmental groups lose stronger accountability for imported gas from countries with weaker methane controls.

Consultation response

Veolia Environnement, 5 Aug 2020

Veolia is the global leader in optimised resource management. With over 163 000 employees worldwide, the Group designs and provides water, waste and energy management solutions that contribute to the sustainable development of communities and industries. Through its three complementary business…

Consultation response

Repsol, S.A., 4 Aug 2020

Repsol Response to the Public Consultation on the EU Methane Strategy Roadmap (Attached file)

Consultation response

European Public Health Alliance, 4 Aug 2020

As a major greenhouse gas and a precursor to ozone, which contributed to 14.000 air pollution-related premature deaths across the European Union (EU) in 2016 (European Environment Agency, 2019), excessive methane emissions represent a challenge to public health. EPHA welcomes an EU strategy on…

Naturgy urges biomethane integration into the European gas grid

NATURGY ENERGY GROUP, 31 Jul 2020

Naturgy calls for further incentives for methane capture and production of biogas. They propose upgrading biogas to biomethane for injection into the existing gas grid. The group also suggests mandatory anaerobic digestion for wastewater treatment.
Naturgy would benefit from utilizing its existing gas infrastructure for biomethane distribution.
Wastewater treatment operators would face mandatory costs for required anaerobic digestion upgrades.

Snam urges flexible, cost-effective EU methane emission policies

Snam S.p.A., 5 Aug 2020

Snam advocates for policy tools that offer flexibility to implement technologies for emissions reduction at the lowest cost. They recommend a tailored approach for gas infrastructure to account for the specificity of the gas value chains. Additionally, the strategy should avoid duplication of reporting while supporting innovation and research.
Flexible regulations would help Snam lower its compliance costs and avoid redundant paperwork.
Environmental advocates might see less progress if flexible standards lead to inconsistent monitoring.

Consultation response

Honeywell Europe NV, 5 Aug 2020

As countries around the world strive to address global warming, the European Green Deal is calling for zero net emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050. And in the USA, states have enacted policies for reductions ranging from 10 percent by 2020 to 90 percent by the middle of the century . These…

Consultation response

European Dairy Association aisbl, 4 Aug 2020

In front of the European Commission strategy aimed at reducing methane emissions in the EU the European dairy industry sees the need to put forward certain aspects to be considered further. (Please see the full version in the attached document.) The European dairy sector has significantly…

Consultation response

Environmental Investigation Agency, 4 Aug 2020

We are in a climate emergency with irreversible tipping points and positive feedback loops fast-approaching. We simply cannot afford to lose another decade in the struggle against climate change with half-measures on the "second most relevant greenhouse gas." The science on methane is clear and…

Consultation response

Landwirtschaftskammer Österreich, 22 Jul 2020

Oberste Priorität der Methanstrategie muss es sein, die Verluste bei Förderung, Transport, Speicherung und Nutzung von fossilem Erdgas zu minimieren bzw. gänzlich einzudämmen. Des Weiteren ist im Rahmen der Methanstrategie ein verbindlicher Ausstiegsplan aus fossilen Energieträgern wie Erdgas zu…

Consultation response

Gas Infrastructure Europe, 5 Aug 2020

Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE) input, with MARCOGAZ technical support, on the EU methane emissions strategy.

Consultation response

FEAD, 5 Aug 2020

Please find attached FEAD’s full feedback to the EC Roadmap on the EU Methane Strategy. FEAD, the European Federation for Waste Management and Environmental Services, representing the private waste and resource management industry across Europe, welcomes the new EC initiative on the EU Methane…

Arla Foods urges EU to prioritize biogas in methane strategy

Arla Foods amba, 5 Aug 2020

Arla requests that biogas production becomes a core pillar of the strategy. They seek financial incentives for farmers and research into reducing enteric fermentation.
Subsidies and policy support would reduce the costs of Arla's sustainability transition.
Natural gas providers may face increased competition as biogas substitutes for fossil fuels.

Consultation response

Enagás S.A., 4 Aug 2020

Enagás acknowledges EU’s ambition to establish an integrated methane emissions strategy to contribute to cost effective GHG reduction across the EU in the context of increased climate ambition for 2030 and the target of climate-neutrality by 2050. Managing and reducing methane emissions are part of…

Consultation response

European Federation of National Associations of Water Services, 31 Jul 2020

EurEau is the European federation of water services and represents nearly all the waste water operators in Europe. We welcome the EU Methane Strategy initiative, which intends to reduce the manmade methane emissions by putting in place an enabling environment to cut these emissions, which…

Consultation response

VIER PFOTEN International, 5 Aug 2020

FOUR PAWS welcomes an integrated EU Strategy on Methane to reach the climate goals and the opportunity to provide feedback on the roadmap of the above mentioned strategy. Please find more about FOUR PAWS' feedback to the roadmap in the attachment.

Consultation response

Commissariat à l'Energie atomique et aux énergies alternatives, 4 Aug 2020

The French Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Commission (CEA) welcomes the European Commission’s will to establish a methane strategy designed to reduce methane – a gas having a potent greenhouse effect – emissions. 1. This will require a strategy considering trade-offs and co-benefits based…

Consultation response

DSM-Firmenich, 5 Aug 2020

With a targeted and supportive framework, agriculture can play a key role in the fight against climate change and help achieve the EU 2030 and 2050 greenhouse gas reduction commitments via a.o. enteric methane abatement, carbon sequestration, manure management and efficiency improvements. One…

Consultation response

GEODE - The voice of local energy distributors across Europe, 31 Jul 2020

GEODE – the Association representing local gas and electricity Distribution System Operators (DSOs) across Europe – welcomes the opportunity to comment on the European Commission’s roadmap for an EU Methane Strategy. We support the development of an EU Strategy to further reduce methane emissions…

Consultation response

Association nationale interprofessionnelle du bétail et des viandes, 21 Jul 2020

Conscients des enjeux et des attentes de la société, les éleveurs français ont engagé volontairement des démarches de progrès à l’échelle des élevages de ruminants pour améliorer leur empreinte carbone et plus globalement leur empreinte environnementale. A partir d’un diagnostic (CAP2ER), l’éleveur…

Consultation response

Confederation of European Waste-to-Energy Plants, 5 Aug 2020

Please find attached CEWEP feedback on the EU methane strategy.

Irish dairy co-ops urge fairer methane accounting rules

Irish Co-operative Organisation Society Ltd., 4 Aug 2020

ICOS requests a fairer way to calculate methane by recognizing its short lifespan. They argue that emissions reduction should not be achieved by lowering food production. The group calls for EU investment in feed additives and anaerobic digestion technologies.
These proposals allow Irish farmers to maintain production levels and secure subsidies.
Climate advocacy groups lose if production levels remain high despite warming concerns.

Consultation response

BDE Bundesverband der Deutschen Entsorgungs-, Wasser- und Kreislaufwirtschaft e. V., 5 Aug 2020

BDE, the Federation of the German Waste, Water and Raw Materials Management Industry, welcomes and supports a European Methane Strategy. We believe that it is necessary to structurally address the reduction of methane emissions through a holistic approach to effectively fight climate change. That…

Consultation response

Bio-based Industries Consortium, 4 Aug 2020

For the bio-based industries, methane is a potential gaseous feedstock, as is carbon dioxide. Our industry contributes by avoiding methane getting into the atmosphere and having a harmful climate impact by using it as a feedstock, converting it into valuable products, with values over and above…

Consultation response

European Federation of Local and Regional Energy Companies, 3 Aug 2020

CEDEC highly welcomes the Commission announced targeted efforts to streamline reporting and structurally address methane emissions reduction. We firmly believe that the only effective way to tackle the issue is to apply a fully holistic approach – covering all sectors, all sources of methane…

Consultation response

Council of European Energy Regulators, 5 Aug 2020

Please see the attached file for feedback from the Council of European Energy Regulators (CEER).

Consultation response

German Renewable Energy Federation, 23 Jul 2020

The German Biogas Association (FvB) welcomes the EU Commission’s goal to reduce methane emissions. For this, FvB suggest the following steps: - Fossil fuel extraction: In the new Directive (EU) 2018/2001 - Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) a methodology is laid down how to calculate life cycle…

Consultation response

SYSTEMIQ LIMITED, 5 Aug 2020

We are thrilled that the European Commission intends to publish its revised “EU methane strategy” in September 2020. We strongly urge the European Commission to include a regulatory pathway towards ambitious methane emissions performance standards for the oil and gas industry as part of this…

PGNiG urges flexible and cost-effective EU methane emission rules

Polskie Gornictwo Naftowe i Gazownictwo SA - Polish Oil and Gas Company, 5 Aug 2020

PGNiG requests flexible rules to ensure emission reductions are performed cost-efficiently. They seek standardized measurement methods and legislative support for biogas and waste-to-energy. They also propose excluding waste-to-energy plants from the EU emission trading scheme.
Flexible rules allow the company to avoid high costs for small emission reductions.
Climate advocates lose because some methane leaks will persist if repairs aren't profitable.

Consultation response

Gazprom, 5 Aug 2020

Please find enclosed feedback on the EU methane strategy by PJSC Gazprom

Consultation response

Fédération Nationale des Activités de Dépollution et de l'Environnement, 5 Aug 2020

FNADE, the French association for waste management and environmental services, welcomes the publication of the EU Methane Strategy roadmap in order to reduce the emissions and contribute to slow down global warming. First of all, FNADE would like to point out the necessity of having reliable data…

Consultation response

Bioenergia ry - Bioenergy Association of Finland, 5 Aug 2020

The Bioenergy Association of Finland welcomes the initiative to reduce methane emissions and supports joint efforts to decrease GHG emissions in general. The Commission is working on an integrated strategy covering the areas of energy, waste and agriculture to tackle the emission of methane and…

Consultation response

Wintershall Dea AG, 4 Aug 2020

Wintershall Dea welcomes the Commissions` efforts to reduce methane emissions and the intention to present a methane strategy. Being convinced that continuously reducing methane emissions from the oil and gas industry is essential for addressing global climate change and important for the role of…

Consultation response

Utilitalia, Imprese Acqua Ambiente Energia, 5 Aug 2020

The EU Roadmap for the reduction of fugitive methane emissions is sharable, because methane has a greenhouse effect (GWP Global Warming Potential) about 21 times higher than CO2. However, according to the GHG Protocol - one of the highest greenhouse effect authorities - CH4 fugitive emissions…

Consultation response

OGP GAZ-SYSTEM S.A., 4 Aug 2020

GAZ-SYSTEM as the Polish Gas Transmission System Operator is strongly committed to provide consumers with a secure, affordable and climate friendly energy supply. It is even of more importance in the CEE region, dealing with one of the highest air pollution in Europe. GAZ-SYSTEM has already…

Consultation response

CITTADINI PER L'ARIA, 5 Aug 2020

please see attachment

Consultation response

Zemědělský svaz ČR, 3 Aug 2020

Při zvažování mitigačních opatření v zemědělství by se mělo dbát na fakt, že metan, jako GHG, je globální výzva - je spojen s produkcí živočišných produktů a pokud nedojde k poklesu jejich konzumace celosvětově, nemohou být zvažovány kroky jen na úrovni EU - pokud EU bude tlačit na snížení rozměru…

Consultation response

Environmental Defense Fund, Incorporated, 24 Jul 2020

Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) commends DG Energy’s approach to focus on an enabling framework to tackle methane emissions, both domestic and embedded, as well as complementing EU and Member States’ GHG obligations with sectoral policies. Setting clear product standard requirements on both those…

Consultation response

Prime Laser Technology SA, 12 Jul 2020

Methane emissions from oil and natural gas supply chain should be estimated by using combined methods as ground-based, facility-scale measurements, and validated with aircraft observations. Special attention should be paid to emissions released during abnormal operating conditions. Methane…

Consultation response

Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, 12 Aug 2020

The Roadmap states, "Existing obstacles and possible incentives for stepping up methane capture from anaerobic digestion and production of biogas should be explored" implying that capturing biogas from livestock operations is neither contested nor problematic both from an economic, but also an…

Consultation response

Associazione Nazionale Industriali Gas, 5 Aug 2020

Please find our feedback in the document attached.

Consultation response

An Taisce - The National Trust for Ireland, 12 Aug 2020

+ IPCC SR15 illustrative pathways (see table under Figure SPM.3.b) show near-term agricultural CH4 reduction relative to 2010 & by 2030 is critical to equitable, Paris-aligned climate action. Cutting EU agri CH4 quickly to 2030 would avoid high risk, high cost dependence on afforestation & BECCS…

Consultation response

GERG - Groupe Européen de Recherche Gazière, 5 Aug 2020

Attached is feedback from the European Gas Research Group (GERG)

Consultation response

, 5 Aug 2020

Dairy Industry Ireland Ireland continues to make great strides in reducing GHG emissions inc Methane per liter of milk produced. The EU JRC already shows in studies that ireland has the lowest emissions in the EU (Jointly with Austria) per Kg of milk produced. The industry is working hard at…

Consultation response

Český plynárenský svaz, 5 Aug 2020

The Czech Gas Association welcomes the initiative to gradually reduce methane emissions and supports joint efforts to decrease GHG emissions. However, it must be emphasized that it is necessary to adopt a complex approach and cover all sectors emitting methane. Around 40 % of global CH4 emissions…