Summary
The paper addresses methane emissions in the chemical industry, following a European Commission’s request to Cefic for detailed information. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas contributing significantly to climate change and local air pollution. The EU’s methane strategy targets reductions across energy, agriculture, and waste sectors. Cefic’s analysis reveals that methane emissions from refineries and chemical plants are minimal compared to CO2 emissions and other industrial sectors. The primary sources of methane in the chemical industry are during oil and gas exploration, refinery processes, and the end-life phase of plastics. The paper also highlights the use of Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) programs to mitigate emissions.
Key Takeaways:
- Methane emissions from the chemical industry are significantly lower than its CO2 emissions and those from other industrial sectors.
- Key methane emission sources are oil and gas exploration, refinery processes, and the decomposition of plastic waste.