Introduction

This course addresses the causes, impacts, and mitigation of methane emissions in the oil and gas industry, with a focus on technologies, regulatory frameworks, and best practices for reducing emissions. Participants will explore methane management strategies and learn to develop effective emissions monitoring and reduction programs.

Objectives

• Understand the sources and environmental impacts of methane emissions in oil and gas.
• Learn about the regulatory landscape and industry standards for methane management.
• Explore detection, measurement, and monitoring technologies for emissions.
• Develop skills in planning and implementing emissions reduction strategies.
• Analyze future trends in methane reduction, including policies and innovations.

Who Should Attend?

This course is suitable for:

• Environmental specialists, HSE officers, and sustainability professionals in oil and gas.
• Regulatory and compliance professionals focused on emissions reduction.
• Engineers and operations managers in production, processing, and transportation.
• Recent graduates interested in environmental management and energy sustainability.

Course Outline

Day 1: Fundamentals of Methane Emissions in Oil and Gas

• Introduction to Methane Emissions
  • Overview of methane as a greenhouse gas and its environmental impact
  • Key sources of methane emissions in upstream, midstream, and downstream
• Methane Emissions and Climate Change
  • Role of methane in climate change and environmental degradation
  • Overview of global methane reduction targets and policies
• Methane Sources in Oil and Gas Operations
  • Understanding methane emissions from production, processing, transportation
  • Identifying emissions sources: venting, flaring, leaks, and fugitive emissions

Day 2: Detection, Measurement, and Monitoring Techniques

• Technologies for Methane Detection and Measurement
  • Overview of methane detection technologies: infrared, gas sensors, drones
  • Techniques for measuring methane at different operational stages
• Real-time Monitoring and Remote Sensing
  • Role of real-time monitoring and remote sensing in emissions control
  • Use of satellites, drones, and fixed sensors for continuous monitoring
• Data Collection and Analysis for Methane Management
  • Techniques for collecting, processing, and analyzing methane data
  • Importance of data quality and accuracy in methane emissions reporting

Day 3: Regulatory Frameworks and Industry Standards

• Global and National Methane Regulations
  • Overview of methane regulations: EPA, EU, Canada’s Methane Strategy
  • Compliance requirements and timelines for emissions reduction targets
• Industry Standards and Voluntary Initiatives
  • Standards and guidelines: OGMP, Methane Guiding Principles, IPIECA
  • Role of voluntary initiatives and collaborations in methane reduction
• Compliance and Reporting Best Practices
  • Techniques for reporting methane emissions accurately and transparently
  • Managing data reporting, auditing, and compliance verification

Day 4: Methane Emissions Reduction Techniques

• Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) Programs
  • Overview of LDAR techniques and their role in emissions reduction
  • Best practices for establishing and managing effective LDAR programs
• Operational Changes and Equipment Upgrades
  • Upgrading equipment to prevent leaks: compressors, seals, valves
  • Techniques for minimizing venting and improving operational efficiency
• Advanced Technologies for Methane Capture and Reuse
  • Techniques for methane capture: gas re-injection, utilization for energy
  • Overview of emerging capture and reuse technologies

Day 5: Case Studies and Future of Methane Emissions Management

• Case Studies in Methane Reduction Success
  • Analysis of successful methane emissions reduction projects
  • Lessons learned from implementing technology and regulatory compliance
• Future of Methane Emissions Management
  • Trends in digitalization, automation, and methane management innovation
  • Exploring future policy changes and the push for net-zero methane
• Final Project: Methane Reduction Strategy for a Hypothetical Facility
  • Participants develop a methane reduction strategy, including detection, monitoring, and reduction techniques, tailored to a hypothetical oil and gas operation
• Preparing for a Low-Emissions Future in Oil and Gas
  • Techniques for integrating methane reduction with overall sustainability goals
  • Role of continuous improvement, technology adoption, and regulatory engagement