Methane emissions from the oil and gas supply chain: Characteristics and mitigation

Abstract Methane emissions are prevalent across all segments of the oil and gas supply chain. As a potent greenhouse gas, methane presents a significant challenge in mitigating climate change and upholding environmental stewardship. In this review, we examine oil and gas methane-emission characteristics through key findings of measurement campaigns, and control technologies across all segments of the oil and gas supply chain, from production to distribution. Methane emissions exhibit complex spatial and temporal patterns, with significant variations across different geographic regions, supply chain sectors, facilities, and timescales. This complexity underlies the persistent discrepancies between measurement methods, with top-down approaches generally indicating higher emissions than bottom-up estimates. Emission distributions are usually skewed or heavy-tailed, with a small number of sources contributing the majority of methane emissions. While emerging technologies offer improved detection capabilities, they face challenges in capturing the full spectrum of emission scenarios across diverse operational contexts, necessitating the integration of multiple technologies. Future research should focus on integrating advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and remote sensing, to enhance emission detection and quantification accuracy. Additionally, developing cost-effective real-time monitoring systems, optimizing data analysis algorithms, and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations are crucial for addressing the complex challenges of methane emissions in the evolving energy landscape.