A Close Look at Fugitive Methane Emissions from Natural Gas

by James Bradbury James Bradbury and Michael Obeiter - April 02, 2013
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A natural gas drilling rig. Photo credit: Justin Woolford, Flickr

Natural gas is booming in the United States. Production has increased by 20 percent
in the last five years, fueled largely by technological advances in shale gas
extraction. Other countries--including China--are now studying our experience with
this abundant new resource.

But the growing role of natural gas in the U.S. energy mix hasnt come without
controversy. Natural gas development poses a variety of environmental risks. In
addition to habitat disruption and impacts on local water and air quality, one of the
most significant concerns is the climate impact resulting from the fugitive methane
emissions that escape into the atmosphere from various points along the natural
gas supply chain.

So what are fugitive methane emissions, and how big of a problem are they? How
do emissions from natural gas compare to those from coal? And are there ways to
mitigate them? The answers to these questions will help us better understand how
natural gas development will affect climate change.
What Are Fugitive Methane Emissions, and How Do They Contribute to Climate
Change?

Methane, the primary component of natural gas, is a powerful greenhouse gas--25

times stronger than carbon dioxide (CO2) over a 100-year time horizon and 72
times stronger over a 20-year horizon. Though methane represents only about 1012 percent of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, it is a significant driver of shortterm warming, and reducing methane emissions can help slow the rise in global
temperatures.

While proponents of natural gas often tout its green credentialscombustion of

natural gas emits roughly one-half the CO2 of coal combustionthis is not the
whole story. When it is extracted from the well, natural gas is composed of roughly
83 percent methane, after processing and through the point of delivery, it is more
than 90 percent methane. Producing, processing, and transporting of natural gas
can release some of this methane into the atmosphere. Accidental methane leaks
and routine venting--which together, make up fugitive methane emissions--reduce
the comparative climate advantage of natural gas for electricity generation. Plus, at
current estimated leakage rates, fugitive emissions actually make compressed
natural gas a questionable choice for fuel-switching in cars and trucks.
What Is the Extent of the Problem?

There is still considerable uncertainty over the amount of fugitive methane emitted
over the lifetime of a natural gas well. However, some aspects generate little
debatenamely, that emissions from natural gas production are substantial and
occur at every stage of the natural gas life cycle, from pre-production through
production, processing, transmission, and distribution. The U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that more than 6 million metric tons of fugitive
methane leaked from natural gas systems in 2011. Measured as CO2-equivalent
over a 100 year time horizon, thats more greenhouse gases than were emitted by
all U.S. iron and steel, cement, and aluminum manufacturing facilities combined.

Many ongoing studies aim to provide more clarity on the extent of fugitive methane
emissions from natural gas. Well get a clearer picture when data from these studies
is looked at in conjunction with industry data reported to the EPA Greenhouse Gas
Reporting Program. But with about 500,000 existing natural gas wells, thousands of
miles of pipeline, and a growing interest in natural gas development, well never
have a truly complete picture of the amount of methane being emitted.
Is Natural Gas Better than Coal?

Considerable media attention has focused on the question of whether gas is

better than coal from a climate perspective. On the one hand, this question sets a
low bar for environmental performancestudies have found that by just about any
measure, every other energy source is less damaging to the environment and public
health than coal. On the other hand, this is an important benchmark, since more
than 30 percent of U.S. natural gas is used for electric power generation and more
than 90 percent of all U.S. coal consumption is used for this purpose. The question
has also received heightened attention as many older, inefficient coal-fired power
plants retire and natural gas-fired plants provide a growing share of total electric
power generation.

At the point of combustion, natural gas is roughly half as carbon-intensive as coal.

However, this comparison fails to account for upstream fugitive methane emissions.
When used for electric power generation, natural gas is typically much more
efficient than coal, but natural gas is not a more energy efficient fuel option for all
usesfor example, in the case of vehicles. Also, if fugitive methane emissions
exceed 3 percent of total gas production, natural gass climate advantage over coal
disappears over a 20-year time horizon.

The critical question is: Given the current extent of U.S. natural gas productionand
the fact that production is projected to expand by more than 50 percent in the
coming decadesare we doing everything we can to ensure that emissions are as
low as is technologically and economically feasible? The answer to that question
today is clearly no.
How Can We Mitigate Natural Gass Impact?

Numerous cost-effective technologies can reduce fugitive methane emissions, which

will curb global warming and save money for energy companies and for consumers.
While some companies are voluntarily implementing these technologies to varying
degrees, the industry is vast, including thousands of participants with diverse
market interests. Much more can be done. In a working paper to be published later
this week, we discuss in greater detail the scale of the methane leakage issue, as
well as numerous policy and technology pathways for state and federal authorities
to begin limiting these harmful emissions.

Ultimately, cleaning up fugitive methane should be an urgent priority to help slow

the rate of climate change in the near-term. Well also need policies to significantly
reduce carbon dioxide emissionsfrom the combustion of natural gas as well as
other fossil fuels. To stabilize the climate at safe levels by mid-century, we need to
address GHG emissions from all sources. Fugitive methane is one important, costeffective opportunity that we can begin addressing today