Canada launches methane center

The government of Canada has launched the Methane Center of Excellence with the goal of measuring and mitigating methane emissions.

Spurred by an initial investment of $30 million, work associated with the Methane Center of Excellence will aim to improve the accuracy, understanding, reporting and mitigation of methane emissions by focusing on key data, measurement techniques and technology development. The center will also improve knowledge sharing between Canadian industry leaders, emitting sectors, provincial and territorial governments, and international partners. Taken together, these activities will promote projects and technologies that lower emissions to fight climate change, create good jobs and new market opportunities, and support a clean and competitive economy.

“Reducing oil and gas methane emissions is one of the success stories of Canada’s climate action to date,” said Steven Guilbeault, minister of Environment and Climate Change. “To continue this momentum, we need further improvements in measuring, tracking and reporting on methane emissions. The Methane Center of Excellence will help bring together leaders to share knowledge and experience that will further advance the science and technology needed to tackle methane emissions. Given that methane is a key climate pollutant, taking swift action to quantify and reduce emissions will help fight climate change and protect our environment.”

Officials said projects and other work associated with the center are crucial given that methane emissions — particularly methane leaks, also known as fugitive methane emissions — have been consistently under-reported for decades, both in Canada and globally. Strengthening the ability to measure emissions is key to bolstering Canada’s clean economy and climate leadership and will be an important part of ensuring Canada meaningfully achieves its goal of slashing oil and gas methane emissions by 75% below 2012 levels by 2030.