Online workshop provides useful input into discussion on methane reduction

More than 200 participants from around the EU took part in an online workshop last Friday (20 March), providing useful input in the preparation of a new EU strategy on methane emissions reduction.

“The objective of the workshop was to facilitate a discussion on tackling mineral methane emissions with EU stakeholders, representatives of the EU institutions and Member States, and we certainly achieved that”, according to one of the conference organisers from the European Commission’s DG Energy.

On the basis of background document published by the Commission, the 2½-hour discussion gave participants the opportunity to provide oral and/or written comments on the different issues. Commission officials were already able to respond to a number of the issues raised. Interested parties still have the possibility of responding to this consultation until the end of March. Originally planned as a physical workshop in Brussels, the meeting was changed into an online workshop in order to ensure continuity in policy work in the current challenging circumstances.

The European Green Deal identifies energy-related methane emissions as an important issue requiring an accelerated initiative from the Commission. Internationally, proactive action could reinforce the EU’s global leadership in climate and energy.

More details on methane gas emissions