Canada's Proposed Methane Regulations
On December 4 at COP28, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) revealed draft amendments aimed at reducing oil and gas methane emissions. While more work is needed to align these regulations to operational and economic considerations in the industry, they mark an important step towards achieving the country’s goal of reducing methane emissions from oil and gas by 75% below 2012 levels by 2030.
Proposed Amendments
The proposed amendments target specific areas within the oil and gas sector, primarily focusing on addressing routine venting and flaring on well sites with more restrictive measures and mandating more stringent controls and enhanced monitoring practices.
With respect to pneumatic devices, a new set of regulations has been outlined for their usage detailing that gas-emitting pneumatic devices will not be allowed on any new or existing sites. The document specifically states that “The proposed Amendments would prohibit operators from intentionally venting hydrocarbon gas into the atmosphere. All pressurized equipment, e.g., pneumatic devices, product tanks, separators, dehydrators, and compressors would need to be physically connected to conservation or destruction equipment.”
The timeline for these proposed regulations is as follows:
- By 2027 any facilities increasing gas production would be required to eliminate venting
- By 2030 all facilities would be subject to the new requirements
- ECCC are targeting to have this rule finalized and published in 2024
Methane Centre of Excellence
Supporting Canada’s methane reduction plan, the government announced a $30 million investment to establish a Methane Centre of Excellence. This center aims to bolster understanding and reporting of methane emissions, emphasizing collaborative initiatives for improved data and measurement techniques.
How Convrg Can Help
In response to the proposed amendment changes, Convrg is here to provide support for the industry. We specialize in assisting oil and gas producers in reducing emissions from pneumatic devices. Our proprietary EPOD systems have been successfully deployed across North America, covering various site types, including on-grid, off-grid, new, and retrofit.
Our latest product, proAir, is designed with the new EPA regulations in mind, particularly tailored for legacy well sites, all while being budget-friendly. If you’re seeking a compliant solution, please visit our website to learn more about our solutions or get in touch with us. Our experienced applications engineers are available to conduct a complimentary assessment based on your pneumatic device inventory or site drawings. We are committed to helping you navigate these changes and contribute to a more sustainable future for the industry.
