(Bloomberg) — The European Union\u2019s first inventory of methane emissions \u2014 one of the most potent drivers of global warming \u2014 is off to a rocky start, with some German firms not submitting their data.<\/p>\n
According to a recent summary, only about two-thirds of Germany\u2019s gas distributors had filed reports with the German Environment Agency by late last month. The country\u2019s gas network, the largest source of such emissions, spans hundreds of thousands of kilometers and accounts for nearly half of national output.<\/p>\n
Methane, though less discussed than carbon dioxide, is responsible for about a third of global warming since preindustrial times. Cutting it is one of the quickest ways to slow climate change \u2014 and the European Commission\u2019s new monitoring effort aims to create the bloc\u2019s first comprehensive picture of methane leaks across the oil, gas and coal sectors.<\/p>\n
The data will underpin future climate policy, shape stricter emission limits and guide enforcement under the EU\u2019s Green Deal. Germany\u2019s incomplete reporting would leave a major gap in that effort, since it is one of Europe\u2019s largest gas markets and infrastructure hubs.<\/p>\n
Germany has voluntarily committed to cutting methane emissions by 65% by 2030, under the Global Methane Pledge. To support that goal, the European Commission\u2019s new Methane Regulation requires fossil fuel operators to measure and report emissions. Fines of as much as 20% of annual revenue could follow once member states enforce the law.<\/p>\n
However, Germany\u2019s national rules are still being drafted, the environment ministry told Bloomberg News. A spokesperson said in the first full year of reporting, \u201cthe response rate is typically not yet perfect,\u201d and that the European Commission\u2019s methane database won\u2019t be ready until next year.<\/p>\n
Germany\u2019s reported distribution grid emissions of 7,700 tons may be roughly 30% too low. In oil and gas exploration, official figures also fall short of industry estimates. The country\u2019s environment agency said this discrepancy prevents it from submitting full data to the United Nations.<\/p>\n
The methane regulation remains \u201cvery vague and unclear,\u201d said Silke Goldberg, Global Head of Sustainability at law firm HSF Kramer. \u201cThere are still no guidelines for methane intensity or thresholds, no verification framework, and no technical implementation rules,\u201d she added, making compliance difficult.<\/p>\n
The German Association of Natural Gas, Petroleum and Geoenergy \u2014 which represents extracting industries \u2014 said it had not been contacted about the data gap but maintained that \u201cto our knowledge, all companies have complied with their reporting obligations,\u201d according to a spokesperson.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the Association of Local Public Utilities \u2014 representing most of Germany\u2019s distribution grids \u2014 said the European Commission should simplify the rules to ease the burden on operators.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe methane reporting requirements create a significant burden for our companies, with little benefit to show,\u201d a spokesperson said.<\/p>\n
\u00a92025 Bloomberg L.P.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"(Bloomberg) — The European Union\u2019s first inventory of methane emissions \u2014 one of the most potent drivers 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