Coal focus - EU regulation on methane emissions 

About one-third of greenhouse gas emissions are methane, ranking second after CO2 in terms of contributors to air pollution and global warming. On August 4, 2024, a new methane emissions regulation by the European Union will go into effect.  European importers of fossil gas, oil, and coal will be required to measure, monitor, report, and verify their suppliers' methane emissions as well as to take action to reduce them. For example, reducing flaring and venting to emergencies, technical malfunctions, etc.  The first reporting deadline is set for May 31, 2025, yet the Regulation expects from  EU importers from its entry into force  to begin gathering data from their suppliers (as per the list in annex IX to the Regulation) on newly entered or renewed contracts, and demonstrate that they have made an effort to get such information even on existing contracts. Beginning from 2027, the Regulation will mandate that any new imports of coal, gas, or oil can only be made if exporters adhere to the same reporting, monitoring, and verification requirements as producers within the EU. The regulation will not act as a ban; instead, the member states will impose fines. Watch this space for further posts as we wait for secondary legislation to clarify the text of the Regulation.

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