National Methane Action Plan
In 2021, the Chinese government announced its intention to develop a National Methane Action Plan under the leadership of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment. This announcement follows the US-China Joint Declaration on Enhancing Climate Action at COP26, which included an increased emphasis on methane monitoring and abatement as a key strategy to reduce GHG emissions.
In November 2023, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment released the final Methane Emissions Control Action Plan.
The Plan contains several specific objectives for methane action in energy, agriculture and waste sectors, notably around measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) of emissions and methane recycling and utilisation.
Monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV)
- Strengthening the construction of MRV systems of methane emissions between now and 2030, including the implementation of ground monitoring, drones and sky monitoring (i.e. satellite remote sensing) systems;
- Standardisation of methane emissions accounting through national and provincial greenhouse gas inventories;
- Organisation of data verification, spot checks and on-site inspections.
Energy Sector Objectives
- Promotion of recycling and utilisation of associated gas and vented air in the oil and gas sectors;
- Annual utilisation target of 6 billion cubic metres of coal mine gas, starting in 2025;
- Promotion of leak detection and repair (LDAR) technology and the establishment of a testing and repair specification system for the industry supply chain;
- Gradual reduction of conventional flaring in oil and gas operations.
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